and Believers of all nations under Heaven were to be admitted unto the priviledge of his worship Eph. 2.15 16 17 18. the national Church of the Jewes with all the Ordinances of it being removed and taken away the Lord Christ hath appointed particular Churches or united Assemblies of Believers amongst and by whom he will have all his holy Ordinances of worship celebrated And this institution of his at the First preaching of the Gospel was invariably and inviolably observed by all that took on them to be his Disciples without any one instance of questioning it to the contrary in the whole World or of the celebration of any Ordinances of his worship amongst any Persons but only in such societies or particular Churches And there is sufficient evidence and warranty of this institution given us in the Scripture For First they are appointed and approved by Christ. Matth. 18.15 16 17 18 19 20. If thy Brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy Brother but if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established and if he shall neglect to hear then tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed also in Heaven again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven for where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Such a Church he supposeth and approveth as his Disciples had relation unto and as any one of them could have recourse unto as a Brother in obedience to his commands and directions This could not be the Church of the Jews neither in its whole body nor in any of its Judicatories For as at that time there was a solemn decree of excommunication against all and every one that should profess his Name John 9.22 The Jews had already agreed that if any man did confess that he was Christ he should be put out of the Synagogue which was executed accordingly upon the man that was born blind Verse the 34. which utterly disabled them from making any use of this direction command or Institution of his for the present So afterwards the chief business of the Rulers of those Assemblies from the highest court of their Sanhedrim to the meanest Judicatory in their Synagogues was to persecute them and bring them unto death Math. 10.17 They will deliver ye up to the Councills and they will scourge you in their Synagogues John 15.21 And it is not likely that the Lord Christ would send his Disciples for direction and satisfaction in the weighty matters of their obedience unto him and mutual love towards one another unto them with whom they neither had nor could nor ought to have any thing to do withal and if they were intended they were all already made as heathens and Publicans being cast out by them for refusing to hear them in their blasphemies and persecutions of Christ himself Such a society also is plainly intended as whereunto Christ promiseth his presence by his spirit and whose righteous sentences he takes upon himself to ratifie and confirm in Heaven Moreover such a Church doth he direct unto as wiâ—h which his Disciples were to have familiar Brotherly constant converse and communion with whom they were so to be joyned in society as to be owned or rejected by them according to their judgement as is apparent in the practice enjoyned unto them and without relation whereunto no duty here appointed could be performed As therefore the very name of the Church and nature of the thing bespeaks a society so it is evident that no society but that of a particular Church of the Gospel can be here intended Secondly these Churches he calls his Candlesticks Rev. 1.20 In allusion unto the Candlesticks of the Temple which being an institution of the old Testament doth directly declare these Churches to be so under the New And this he speakes in reference unto those seven principal Churches of Asia every one of which was a Candlestick or an institution of his own Thirdly In pursuit of this appointment of Christ and by his authority the Apostles so soon as any were converted unto the faith at Jerusalem although the old National Church state of the Jewes was yet continued gathered them into a Church or society for celebration of the ordinances of the Gospel Acts. 2.41 42. they that gladly received the word were baptised and they continued stedfastly together in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers verse 47 the Lord adding unto this Church dayly such as should be saved And this company is expresly called the Church at Jerusalem Acts. 8.1 This Church thus called and collected out of the Church of the Jewes was the rule and pattern of the disposing of all the Disciples of Christ into Church societyes in obedience unto his command throughout the World Acts 11.26 Acts 14.23 27. Fourthly they took care for the forming compleating and establishing them in order according to his will under the rule of them given and granted unto them by himself for that purpose all in a stâ—ddy pursuit of the commands of Christ. Acts 14.23 they ordained them Elders in every Church Titus 1.5 For this cause left I thee in Creet that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephe. 4.11 12. Fifthly they do every where in the Name and authority of Christ give unto these Churches rules directions and precepts for the due ordering of all things relating to the worship of God according to his minde as we shall see afterwards in particular For First there is no charge given unto the Officers Ministers Guides or Overseers that he hath appointed but it is in reference unto the discharge of their duty in such Churches That Ministers or Officers are of Christs appointment is expresly declared Ephes. 4.11.12 He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifâ—ing of the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12.28 God hath set in his Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers These are of Christs institution but to what end why as they were ordained in every Church Acts 14.23 Titus 1.5 So their whole charge is limited to the Churches Acts 20.17 He sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church and said to them Verse the 28. take heed
he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God John 3.3 requiring regeneration as an indispensable condition in a Member of his Church a subject of his Kingdom For his Temple is now to be built of living stones 1 Pet. 2.5 Men spiritually and savingly quickened from their death in sin and by the Holy-Ghost whereof they are partakers made a meet habitation for God Eph. 2.21 22. 1 Cor. 3.16 2 Cor. 6.16 which receiving vital supplyes from Christ its head increaseth in faith and holiness edifying it self in love Ephes. 4.15 16. And as the Apostles in their writings do ascribe unto all the Churches and the Members of them a participation in this effectual vocation affirming that they are Saints called sanctified justified and accepted with God in Christ Rom. 1.5 6. 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Cor. 4.15 Heb. 3.1 Jam. 1.18 1 Pet. 2.5 2 Cor. 6.17 18. 1 Cor. 6.11 So many of the duties that are required of them in that relation and condition are such as none can perform unto the glory of God their own benefit and the edification of others the ends of all obedience unless they are partakers of this effectual calling 1 Cor. 10.16 17. 1 Cor. 12.12 Ephes. 4.16 Add hereunto that these Churches and the members of them are not only commanded to separate themselves as to their Worship of God from the World that is men in their worldly state and condition but are also required when any amongst them trasgress against the rules and laws of this holy calling above described to cast them out of their society and communion 1 Cor. 5.13 from all which it appears who are the subject matter of these Churches of Christ as also secondly the means whereby they come to be so namely the administration of the spirit and word of Christ and Thirdly the general ends of their calling which are all spoken to in this answer Quest. 20. By what means do persons so called become a Church of Christ Answ. They are constituted a Church and interested in the rights power and priviledges of a gospel-Gospel-Church by the will promise authority and law of Iesus Christ upon their own voluntary consent and engagement to walk together in the due subiection of their Souls and Consciences unto his authority as their King Priest and Prophet and in an holy observation of all his commands ordinances and appointments Matth. 18.20 Chap. 28.18 19. Acts 2.41 42. Exod. 24.3 Deut. 5.27 Psalm 110.3 Isa. 44.5 Chap. 59.21 Ephes. 4.7 8 9 10. 2. Cor. 8.5 Explication That the Lord Christ hath constituted such a Church-state as that which we enquire about hath been proved already Unto a Church so constituted he hath also by his word and promise annexed all those priviledges and powers which we find a Church to be entrusted withall This he hath done by the standing and unalterable Law of the Gospel which is the Charter of their spiritual society and incorporation Neither are nor can any persons be interested in the rights of a Church any otherwise but by virtue of this Law and constitution This therefore is first to be laid down that the sole moral foundation of that Church-state which we enquire after is laid in the Word Law and appointment of Christ. He alone hath authority to erect such a society he is the builder of this house as well as the Lord over it Heb. 3.3 6. neither without it can all the authority of men in the World appoint such a state or erect a Church and all acceptable actings of men herein are no other but acts of pure obedience unto Christ. Farthermore We have declared that the Lord Christ by the dispensation of his word and spirit doth prepare and fit men to be subjects of his Kingdom Members of his Church the work of sending forth the means of the conversion of the souls of men of translating them from the power of darkness into light he hath taken upon himself and doth effectually accomplish it in every generation And by this means he builds his Church Matth. 18.20 For unto all persons so called he gives command that they shall do and observe whatever he hath appointed them to do Mat. 28.20 in particular that they profess their subjection to him and their obedience in joyning themselves in that state wherein they may be enabled to observe all his other laws and institutions with the whole worship of God required therein Being converted unto God by his Word and Spirit they are to consider how they may now obey the Lord Christ in all things Amongst his commands this of joyning themselves in Church societies wherein he hath promised his presence with them Matth. 18.20 that is to dwell amongst them by his word and spirit Isa. 59.21 is the very first This by virtue of that command and promise of his they are warranted and enabled to do nor do they need any other warrant The authority of Christ is sufficient to beare men out in the discharge of their duty to him Being then made willing and ready in the day of his power Psalm 110.3 they consent choose and agree to walk together in the observation of all his commands And hereby do they become a Church For their becoming a Church is an act of their willing obedience unto Christ. This obedience is an act of their wills guided by rule for this also is necessary that they proceed herein according to the rules of his appointment afterwards to be unfolded And herein upon their obedience unto the commands of Christ and faith in his promises do Believers by virtue of his Law and constitution become a Gospel Church and are really and truly interested in all the power rights and priviledges that are granted unto any Church of Christ. For in this obedience they do these two things which alone he requires in any persons for the obtaining of an interest in these priviledges First They confess him his person his authority his law his grace Secondly They take upon themselves the observance of all his commands Thus did God take the children of Israel into a Church-state of old He proposed unto them the Church obedience that he required of them and they voluntarily and freely took upon themselves the performance of it Exod. 24.3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the judgements and all the people answered with one voice and said all the words which the Lord hath said will we do So Deut. 5.7 and hereby they had their solemn admission into their Church-state and relation unto God And the like course they took when ever there was need of renewing their engagements Josh. 24.18 21 22. And the people said we will serve the Lord for he is our God and Joshua said unto the people ye are witnesses against your selves that ye have chosen the Lord to serve him and they said we are witnesses This was the covenant that was between God and that people which was solemnly renewed so often as the
full of the Holy-Ghost and wisdom and the saying pleased the whole multitude and they chose Stephen c. This was done when only Deacons were to be ordained in whom the interest and concernment of the Church is not to be compared with that which it hath in its Pastors Teachers and Elders The same is mentioned again Acts 14.23 where Paul and Barnabas are said to ordain Elders in the Churches by their election and suffrage For the word there used will admit of no other sence however it be ambiguously expressed in our translation Neither can any instance be given of the use of that word applyed unto the communication of any office or power to any person or persons in an assembly wherein it denoteth any other action but the suffrage of the multitude and this it doth constantly in all writers in the Greek tongue And hence it was that this right and priviledge of the Church in choosing of those who are to be set over them in the work of the Lord was a long time preserved inviolate in the primitive Churches as the ancients do abundantly testifie Yea the shew and appearance of it could never be utterly thrust out of the World but is still retained in those Churches which yet reject the thing it self And this institution of our Lord Jesus Christ by his Apostles is suited to the nature of the Church and of the authority that he hath appointed to abide therein For as we have shewed before persons become a Church by their own voluntary consent Christ makes his subjects willing not slaves His rule over them is by his grace in their own wills and he will have them every way free in their obedience A Church-state is an estate of absolute liberty under Christ not for men to do what they will but for men to do their duty freely without compulsion Now nothing is more contrary to this liberty than to have their Guides Rulers and Overseers impose on them without their consent Besides the body of the Church is obliged to discharge its duty towards Christ in every institution of his which herein they cannot if they have not their free consent in the choice of their Pastors or Elders but are considered as mute persons or brute creatures Neither is there any other ordinary way of communicating authority unto any in the Church but by the voluntary submission and subjection of the Church it self unto them For as all other imaginable wayes may fail and have done so where they have been trusted unto so they are irrational and unscriptural as to their being a means of the delegation of any power whatever Fifthly Unto this election succeeds the solemn setting apart of them that are chosen by the Church unto this work and ministry by fasting prayer and imposition of the hands of the Presbitery before constituted in the Church wherein any person is so to be set apart Qu. 26. May a Person be called to or be employed in a part only of the Office or work of the Ministry or may he hold the relation and exercise the duty of an Elder or Minister unto more Churches than one at the same time Answ. Neither of these have either warrant or President in the Scripture nor is the first of them consistent with the authority of the Ministry nor the latter with the duty thereof nor either of them with the nature of that relation which is between the Elders and the Church Acts 14.23 1 Pet. 5.2 Acts 20.28 Explication There are two parts of this Question and Answer to be spoken unto severally The First is concerning a person to be called or employed in any Church in a part only of the office or work of the Ministry As suppose a Man should be called or chosen by the Church to administer the Sacraments but not to attend to the work of Preaching or unto the rule or guidance of the Church or in like manner unto any other part or parcell of the work of the Ministry with an exemption of other duties from his charge or care If this be done by consent and agreement for any time or season it is unwarrantable and disorderly what may be done occasionally upon an emergency or in case of weakness or disability befalling any Elder as to the discharge of any part of his duty is not here enquired after For First If the Person so called or employed have received gifts fitting him for the whole work of the Ministry the exercise of them is not to be restrained by any consent or agreement Seeing they are given for the edification of the Church to be traded withall 1 Cor. 12 7. The manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withall and this he which hath received such gifts is bound to attend unto and pursue Secondly If he have not received such gifts as compleatly to enable him unto the discharge of the whole work of the Ministry in the Church wherein he is to administer it is not lawful for the Church to call him unto that work wherein the Lord Christ hath not gone before them in qualifying him for it Yea to do so would be most irregular for the whole power of the Church consists in its attendance unto the rule given unto it And therefore the office and work of the Ministry being constituted by the Law of Christ it is not in the power of the Church to enlarge or streighten the power or duty of any one that is called unto the office thereof Neither can or ought any person that is called unto the worke of the Ministry to give his consent to the restraint of the exercise of that gift that he hath received in a due and orderly manner nor to the abridgement of the authority which the Lord Christ hath committed unto the Ministers of the Gospel As it is incumbent upon them to take care to preserve their whole authority and to discharge their whole duty so that arbitrary constitutions of this nature are irregular and would bring in confusion into Churches The second part of the Question is concerning the Relation of the same person to more Churches than one at the same time and his undertaking to discharge the duty of his relation unto them as an Elder or Minister And this also is irregular and unwarrantable Now a man may hold the relation of an Elder Pastor or Minister unto more Churches than one two wayes First formally and directly by all equal formal interest in them undertaking the Pastoral charge equally and alike of them being called alike to them and accepting of such a relation 2 virtually when by virtue of his relation unto one Church he puts forth his power or authority in Ministerial acts in or towards another The First way is unlawful and destructive both of the Office and duty of a Pastor For as Elders are ordained in and unto the Churches respectively that they are to take care of Acts 14.23 Tit. 1.5 And their office
power consists in a relation unto the Church that they are set over so they are commanded to attend unto the service of the Churches wherein and whereunto they are so ordained Act. 20.28 1 Peter 1.2 And that with all diligence care and watchfulness as those that must give an account Heb. 13.17 which no man is able to do towards more Churches than one the same duty being at all times to be performed towards all And because the whole authority of the Elders Pastors or Bâ—shops of Churches is ministerial â— Cor. 4.1 consisting in a power of acting upon the command of Christ they are bound in their own persons to the discharge of their duty and Office without the least pretence of authority to delegate another or others to act their part or to do their duty which would be an effect of autocratorical authority and not of obedience or Ministry The latter way also of relation unto many Churches is unwarrantable For 1 It hath no warrant in the Scripture no Law nor constitution of Christ or his Apostles can be produced to give it countenance but Elders were ordained to their own Churches and commanded to attend unto them 2 No rule is given unto any Elders how they should behave themselves in reference unto more Churches than one in the exercise of their ministerial power as there are rules given unto every one for the discharge of that duty in the Church whereunto he is related 3 There is no example to give it countenance recorded in the Scripture 4 The authority to be put forth hath no foundation 1 Not in the gifts they have received for the ministerial power is not an absolute ability or faculty of doing what a man is able but a right whereby a man hath power to do that rightly and lawfully which before he could not do This gifts will not give to any for if they did they would do it to all that have received them 2 Not in their election for they are chosen in and by that Church whereunto they stand in especial relation whose choice cannot give ministerial power over any but themselves 3 Not in their setting apart by fasting prayer and imposition of hands for this is only unto that office work and power whereunto they are chosen They are not chosen for one end and set apart for another 4 Not from the Communion of Churches for that gives no new power but only a due exercise of that which was before received Qu. 27. What are the principal duties of the Pastors or Teachers of the Church An. 1 To be examples unto the flock in faith love knowledge méekness patience readiness to suffer for the name and Gospel of Christ with constancy therein 2 To watch for the souls and take care of all the spiritual concernments of the whole flock committed to them 3 To preach the word diligently dividing it aright 4 To preserve and contend for the truth 5 To administer all the Ordinances of the Gospel duly and orderly 6 To stir up and exercise the gifts they have received in the discharge of their whole work and administration of all Ordinances 7 To instruct admonish cherish and comfort all the Members of the Church as their conditions occasions and necessities do require 8 To attend with diligence skill and wisdome unto the discharge of that authority which in the rule of the Church is committed unto them 1 1 Tim. 3.10 11 13. Chap. 4.12 2 Tim. 2.3 Coloss. 1.24 Phil. 2.17 Chap. 3.17 2 Heb. 13.17 Acts 20.28 3 2 Tim. 2.15 2 Tim. 4.2 Rom. 12.6 7 8. 4 1 Tim. 6.20 Acts 20.28 Jude 3. 5 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 1 Tim. 3.15 6 1 Tim. 4.14 15 16. 7 Acts 20.18 19 20 25 26. 1 Thes. 3.5 2 Tim. 2.24 25. 8 Rom. 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17 The answer is full and plain Qu. 28. Wherein principally doth the authority of the Elders of the Church consist An. 1 In that the Rule of the Church and the guidance thereof in things appertaining unto the worship of God is committed unto them And therefore 2 Whatever they do as Elders in the Church according unto rule they do it not in the name or authority of the Church by which their power is derived unto them nor as Members only of the Church by their own consent or covenant but in the name and authority of Iesus Christ from whom by virtue of his Law and Ordinance their ministerial office and power is received so that 3 In the exercise of any act of Church power by and with the consent of the Church there is an obligation thence procéeding which ariseth immediately from that authority which they have received of Iesus Christ which is the spring of all rule and authority in the Church 1 Acts 20.28 Heb. 13.7 17. 1 Pet. 5.2 1 Cor. 12.28 2 1 Tim. 3.5 Coloss. 4.17 2 Cor. 10.4 8. 3 1 Tim. 4.11 Titus 2.15 1 Peter 1.2 3 4 5. Explication The answer unto this Question explains the power or authority of the Elders of the Church from whom they do receive it and how it is exercised by them the right stating whereof is of great importance in the whole discipline of the Church and must therefore here be farther explained to this end we may consider First that all Church power is originally vested in Jesus Christ the sole head and Monarch thereof God the Father hath committed it unto him and intrusted him with it for the accomplishment of his work of mediation Matth. 28.18 Secondly that he doth communicate of this authority by way of trust to be exercised by them in his name unto persons by him appointed so much as is needful for the ordering and disposing of all things in his Churches unto the blessed ends for which he hath instituted and appointed them For no man can have any power in his Church for any end whatever but by delegation from him What is not received from him is meer usurpation And whoever takes upon himself the exercise of any Rule or Authority or power in the Church not granted unto them by him or not rightly derived from him is an oppressor a thief and a Robber this necessarily follows upon the absolute investiture of all power in him alone 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephe. 4.11 12. Thirdly the means whereby the Lord Christ communicates this power unto men is by his Law and constitution whereby he hath granted ordained and appointed that such and such powers shall be exercised in his Church and that by such and such persons to be derived unto them in such a way and manner so that the word of the Gospel or the Laws and constitutions of the Lord Christ therein are the first recipient seat and subject morally of all Church power whatever Matth. 16.19 Matth. 18.18 19 20. Fourthly the way and means whereby any persons come to a participation of this power regularly according to the mind of Christ is by the obedience unto and due observation of his laws and commands
in them unto whom they are prescribed As when an Office with the power of it is constituted and limited by the law of the Land there is no more required to invest any man in that office or to give him that power than the due observance of the means and way prescribed in the law to that end The way then whereby the Elders of the Church do come to participate of the power and authority which Christ hath appointed to be exercised in his Church is by their and the Churches due observance of the Rules and Laws given by him for their election and setting apart unto that office Heb. 4.3 Acts 14.24 Fifthly on this account they receive their power from Christ himself alone and that immediately for the means used for their participation of it are not recipient of the power it self formally nor do authoritatively collate or conferr it only the laws of Christ are executed in a way of obedience So that though they are chosen and set apart to their office by the Church yet they are made Overseers by the holy-Ghost Acts 20.28 Though they have their power by the Church yet they have it not from the Church nor was that power whereof they are made partakers as was said formally resident in the body of the Church before their participation of it but really in Christ himself alone and morally in his word or law And thence is the rule and guidance of the Church committed unto them by Christ Heb. 13.7 17. 1 Pet. 5.2 1 Tim. 3.5 Sixthly this authority and power thus received from Christ is that which they exert and put forth in all their ministerial administrations in all which they do as ministers in the house of God either in his worship or in the rule of the Church it self They exercise that authority of Christ which he hath in his law appointed to be exercised in his Church and from that authority is due order given unto the administration of all the ordinances of worship and an obligation unto obedience to acts of rule doth thence also ensue so that they which despise them despise the authority of Christ. Seventhly when as Elders they do or declare any thing in the name of the Church they do not as such put forth any authority committed unto them from and by the Church but only declare the consent and determination of the Church in the exercise of their own liberty and priviledge but the authority which they act by and which they put forth is that which is committed to themselves as such by Jesus Christ. Eighthly this authority is comprised in the Law and constitution of Christ which themselves exert only ministerially and therefore when ever they act any thing authoritatively which they are not enabled for or warranted in by the word of the Gospel or do any thing without or contrary unto rule all such actings as to any spiritual effect of the Gospel or obligation on the consciences of Men are Ipso facto null and are no way ratified in Heaven where all their orderly actings are made valid that is by Christ himself in his Word Ninthly The reason therefore why the consent of the Church is required unto the authoritative acting of the Elders therein is not because from thence any authority doth accrew unto them anew which virtually and radically they had not before but because by the rule of the Gospel this is required to the orderly acting of their power which without it would be contrary to rule and therefore ineffectual as also it must needs be from the nature of the thing it self for no act can take place in the Church without or against its own consent whilest its obedience is voluntary and of choice But if it be asked what then shall the Elders do in case the Church refuse to consent unto such acts as are indeed according to rule and warranted by the institution of Christ it is answered that they are First diligently to instruct them from the word in their duty making known the mind of Christ unto them in the matter under consideration 2 To declare unto them the danger of their dissent in obstructing the edification of the Body to the dishonour of the Lord Christ and their own spiritual disadvantage 3 To wait patiently for the concurrence of the grace of God with their Ministry in giving light and obedience unto the Church and 4 In case of the Churches continuance in any failure of duty to seek for advice and counsel from the Elders and Brethren of other Churches all which particulars might be enlarged would the nature of our present design and work permit it Quest. 29. What is the duty of the Church towards their Elders Pastors or Teachers Answ. 1 To have them in reverence and honour for their office and works sake 2 To obey them conscientiously in all things wherein they speak unto them in the name of the Lord. 2 To pray earnestly for them that they may and to exhort them if need require to fulfill the work of the Ministry 4 To communicate unto them of their temporals for their comfortable subsistance in the World and usefulness unto others 5 Wisely to order things by their direction so as that they may be amongst them without fear 6 To abide with and stand by them in their sufferings for the Gospel and service of Christ among them 1 1 Thes. § 12 13. 1 Tim. 5.17 2 Heb. 13.17 1 Cor. 16.16 3 Ephes. 6.18 19. Colos. 4.3 2 Thes. 3.1 Colos. 4.17 4 Gal. 6.6 1 Cor. 9.14 5 1 Cor. 16.10 6 2 Tim. 1.16 17 18. 2 Tim. 4.16 Quest. 30. Are there any differences in the Office or Offices of the Guides Rulers Elders or Ministers of the Church Answ. The Office of them that are Teachers is one and the same among them all but where there are many in the same Church it is the will of Christ that they should be peculiarly assigned unto such especial work in the discharge of their office power as their gifts received from him do peculiarly fit them for and the necessities of the Church require Rom. 12.4 5 6 7 8 1 Cor. 8.11 1 Pet. 4.10 Chap. 5.2 Explication The Office of them that are to instruct the Church in the name and authority of Christ is one and the same as hath been shewed before And there are many names that are equally accommodated unto all that are partakers of it as Elders Bishops Guides They are all alike Elders alike Bishops alike Guides have the one office in common amongst them and every one the whole intire unto himself But there are names also given unto them whereby they are distinguisht not as to Office but as to their work and employment in the discharge of that office such are Pastors and Teachers Ephes. 4.11 Which are placed as distinct persons in their work partakers of the same Office Now the foundation of this distinction and difference lyes First In the different gifts that they have
And herein alone doth the order honour and beauty of the Church consist Church members therefore are to search and enquire after the particular duties which as such are incumbent on them as also to consider what influence their special state and condition as they are Church members ought to have into all the duties of their obedience as they are Christians For this priviledge is granted unto them for their edification that is their fartherance in their whole course of walking before God And if this be neglected if they content themselves with a name to live in this or that Church to partake of the Ordinances that are stated and solemnly administred only that which would have been to their advantage may prove to be a snare and temptation unto them What these especial duties are in the particular instances of them is of too large a consideration here to be insisted on Besides it is the great dutie of the Guides of the Church to be inculcating of them into the minds of those committed to their charge For the Churches due performance of its dutie is their honour Crown and reward Qu. 35. Whence do you reckon prayer which is a part of moral and natural worship among the institutions of Christ in his Church An. On many accounts as 1 because the Lord Christ hath commanded his Church to attend unto the worship of God therein 2 because he bestowes on the Ministers of the Church gifts and ability of prayer for the benefit and edification thereof 3 he hath appointed that all his other ordinances should be administred with prayer whereby it becomes a part of them 4 because himself ministers in the holy place as the great High priest of his Church to present their prayers unto God at the throne of grace 5 because in all the prayers of the Church there is an especial regard had unto himself and the whole work of his mediation 1 Luke 18.1 Chap. 21.36 Rom. 12.5 1 Tim. 2.1 2. 2 Ephe. 4.8 12 13. Rom. 8.15 16. Gal. 4.6 3 Acts 2.42 1 Tim. 4.5 4 Rev. 8 3 4. Heb. 4.14 15 16. Chap. 6.20 Chap. 10.20.21 22. 5 John 14.13 Chap. 15.16 22 26. Ephe. 3.14 15. Qu. 36. May not the Church in the solemn warship of God and celebration of the Ordinances of the Gospel make use of and content it self in the use of forms of prayer in an unknown tongue composed by others and prescribed unto them An. So to do would be 1 contrary to one principal end of prayer it self which is that Believers may therein apply themselves to the throne of grace for spiritual supplies according to the present condition wants and exigencies of their souls 2 to the maâ—n end that the Lord Iesus Christ aimed at in supplying men with gifts for the discharge of the work of the mimistry tending to render the the promise of sending the holy Ghost which is the immediate cause of the Churches preservation and continuance néedless and useless Moreover 3 It will render the discharge of the duty of Ministers unto several precepts and exhortations of the Gospel for the use stirring up and exercise of their gifts impossible and 4 thereby hinder the edification of the Church the great end of all Ordinances and institutions 1 Rom. 8.26 Phil. 4.6 Heb. 4.16 1 Pet. 4.7 2 Ephes. 4.8 12 13. 3 1 Tim. 4.14 2 Tim. 1.6 7. Colos. 4.17 Matth. 25.14 15 16. 4 1 Cor. 12.7 Quest. 37. Is the constant work of Preaching the Gospel by the Elders of the Church necessary Answ. It is so both on the part of the Elders or Ministers themselves of whom that duty is strictly required and who principally therein labour and watch for the good of the flock and on the part of the Church for the fartherance of their faith and obedience by instruction reproof exhortation and consolation Matth. 24.45 46 47 48 49 50 51. Rom. 12.7 8. 1 Cor. 9. 17 18. Ephes. 4.12 13. 1 Tim. 4 15 16. Chap. 5.17 2 Tim. 2.24 25. Chap. 3.14 15 16 17. Chapter 4.2 Quest. 38. Who are the proper subjects of Baptism Answ. Professing Believers if not Baptised in their infancy and their Infant séed Matth. 28.19 Acts 2.38 39. Acts 16.33 1 Cor. 1.16 1 Cor. 7.14 Colos. 2.12 13. With Genesis 17.10 11 12. Quest. 39. Where and to whom is the Ordinance of the Lords Supper to be administred Answ. In the Church or Assembly of the congregation to all the Members of it rightly prepared and duly assembled or to such of them as are so assembled 1 Cor. 11.20 21 22 28 29 33. Acts. 2.46 Quest. 40. How often is that Ordinance to be administred Answ. Every First day of the wéek or at least as often as opportunity and conveniency may be obtained 1 Cor. 11.26 Acts 20.7 Quest. 41. What is the Discipline of the Church Answ. It consists in the due exereise of that authority and power which the Lord Christ in and by his Word hath granted unto the Church for its continuance increase and preservation in purity order and holiness according to his appointment Matth. 16.19 Rom. 12.8 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. Rev. 2.2 20. Explication Sundry things are to be considered about this discipline of the Church as First The foundation of it which is a grant of power and authority made unto it by Jesus Christ as Mediator Head King and Law-giver of his Church For all discipline being an act of power and this being exercised in and about things internal and spiritual no men can of themselves or by grant of any others have any right or authority to or in the exercise thereof Whoever hath any interest herein or right hereunto it must be granted unto him from above by Jesus Christ and that as Mediator and head of his Church For as all Church power is in an especial manner by the authority and grant of the Father vested in him alone Matth. 28.18 Ephes. 1.20 21 22 23. So the nature of it which is spiritual the object of it which are the Consciences and Gospel priviledges of Believers with the ends of it namely the glory of God in Christ with the spiritual and eternal good of the souls of men do all manifest that it can have no other right nor foundation This in the first place is to be fixed that no authority can be exercised in the Church but what is derived from Jesus Christ as was spoken before Secondly The means whereby the Lord Christ doth communicate this power and authority unto his Church is his word or his law and constitution concerning it in the Gospel so that it is exactly limited and bounded thereby And no power or authority can be exercised in the Church but what is granted and conveyed unto it by the word seeing that Christ communicates no power or authority any other wayes What ever of that nature is beside it or beyond it is meer usurpation and null in its exercise Herein is the commission of the Guides and Rules
case there be not the success aimed at obtained in these several degrees of private admonition it is then the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that the matter be reported unto the Church that the offender may be publickly admonished thereby and brought to repentance wherein is to be observed First That the persons who have endeavoured in vain to reclaim their offending Brother by private admonition are to acquaint the Elders of the Church with the case and crime as also what they have done according to rule for the rectifying of it who upon that information are obliged to communicate the knowledge of the whole matter to the Church This is to be done by the Elders as to whom the preservation of order in the Church and the rule of its proceeding do belong as we have shewed before Secondly The report made to the Church by the Elders is to be 1. Of the crime guilt or offence 2. Of the Testimony given unto the truth of it 3. Of the means used to bring the offender to acknowledgement and repentance 4. Of his deportment under the private previous admonitions either as to his rejecting of them or as to any satisfaction tendred all in order love meekness and tenderness Thirdly Things being proposed unto the Church and the offender heard upon the whole of the offence and former proceeding the whole Church or multitude of the Brethren are with the Elders to consider the nature of the offence with the condition and temptations of the offenders with such a spirit of meekness as our Lord Jesus Christ in his own person set them an example of in his dealing with sinners and which is required in them as his Disciples Gal. 6.1 2. 2 Cor. 2.8 Fourthly The Elders and Brethren are to judge of the offence and the carriage of the offender according to rule and if the offence be evident and persisted in then Fifthly The offender is to be publickly admonished by the Elders with the consent and concurrence of the Church 1 Thes. 5.14 1 Tim. 5.20 Matth. 18.16 17. And this admonition consists of Five parts 1. A declaration of the crime or offence as it is evidenced unto the Church 2. A conviction of the evil of it from the rule or rules transgressed against 3. A declaration of the authority and duty of the Church in such cases 4. A rebuke of the offender in the name of Christ answering the nature and circumstances of the offence 5. An Exhortation unto humiliation and repentance and acknowledgement Eleventhly In case the offender despise this admonition of the Church and come not upon it unto repentance it is the will and appointment of our Lord Jesus Christ that he be cut off from all the priviledges of the Church and cast out from the society thereof or be excommunicated wherein consists the last act of the discipline of the Church for the correction of offenders and herein may be considered First The nature of it that it is an authoritative act and so principally belongs unto the Elders of the Church who therein exert the power that they have received from the Lord Christ by and with the consent of the Church according to his appointment Matth. 16.19 John 20.23 Matth. 18.18 1 Cor. 5.4 Titus 3.10 1 Tim. 1.20 2 Cor. 2.6 And both these the Authority of the Eldership and the consent of the Brethren are necessary to the validity of the sentence and that according to the appointment of Christ and the practice of the first Churches Secondly The effect of it which is the cutting off or casting out of the person offending from the communion of the Church in the priviledges of the Gospel as consequently from that of all the visible Churches of Christ in the earth by virtue of their communion one with another whereby he is left unto the visible kingdom of Satan in the World Matth. 18.17 1 Cor. 5.2 5 13. 1 Tim. 1.20 Titus 3.10 Gal. 5.12 Thirdly The ends of it which are 1. The gaining of the party offending by bringing him to repentance humiliation and acknowledgement of his offence 2 Cor. 2.6 7. 2 Cor. 13.10 2. The warning of others not to do so presumptuously 3. The preserving of the Church in its purity and order 1 Cor. 5.6 7. all to the glory of Jesus Christ. Fourthly The causes of it or the grounds and reasons on which the Church may proceed unto sentence against any offending persons Now these are no other but such as they judge according to the Gospel that the Lord Christ will proceed upon in his finall judgement at the last day For the Church judgeth in the name and authority of Christ and are to exclude none from its communion but those whom they find by the rule that he himself excludes from his Kingdom and so that which they bind on earth is bound by him in Heaven Matth. 18.18 And their sentence herein is to be declared as the declaration of the sentence which the Head of the Church and Judge of all will pronounce at the last day only with this difference that it is also made known that this sentence of theirs is not final or decretory but in order to the prevention of that which will be so unless the evil be repented of Now although the particular evils sins or offences that may render a person obnoxious unto this censure and sentence are not to be enumerated by reason of the variety of circumstances which change the nature of actions yet they may in general be referred unto these heads First Moral evils contrary to the light of nature and express commands or prohibitions of the moral law direct rules of the Gospel or of evil report in the world amongst men walking according to the rule and light of reason And in cases of this nature the Church may proceed unto the sentence whereof we speak without previous admonition in case the matter of fact be notorious publickly and unquestionably known to be true and no general rule which is not to be impeached by particular instances lye against their proceedure 1 Cor. 5.3 4. 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. Secondly Offences against that mutual love which is the bond of perfection in the Church if pertinaciously persisted in Matth. 18.16 17. Thirdly false doctrines against the fundamentals in faith or worship especially if maintained with contention to the trouble and disturbance of the peace of the Church Gal. 5.12 Titus 3.9 10 11. 1 Tim. 6.3 4 5. Revel 2.14 15. Fourthly Blasphemy or evil speaking of the wayes and worship of God in the Church especially if joyned with an intention to hinder the prosperity of the Church or to expose it to persecution 1 Tim. 1.20 Fifthly Desertion or total causeless relinquishment of the society and communion of the Church for such are self-condemned having broken and renounced the covenant of God that they made at their entrance into the Church Heb. 10.25 26 27 28 29. Sixthly The time or season of the putting forth
the authority of Christ in the Church for this censure is to be considered and that is ordinarily after the admonition before described and that with due waiting to be regulated by a consideration of times persons temptations and other circumstances For 1. The Church in proceeding to this sentence is to express the patience and long suffering of Christ towards offenders and not to put it forth without conviction of a present resolved impenitency 2. The event and effect of the preceding Ordinance of admonition is to be expected which though not at present evident yet like the word it self in the preaching of it may be blessed to a good issue after many dayes Sixthly The person offending thus cut off or cast out from the present actual communion of the Church is still to be looked on and accounted as a Brother because of the nature of the Ordinance which is intended for his amendment and recovery 2 Thes. 3.15 Count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a Brother unless he manifest his finall impenitency by blasphemy and persecution 1 Tim. 1.20 Whom I have delivered unto Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme Seventhly The Church is therefore still to perform the duties of love and care towards such persons 1. In praying for them that they may be converted from the errour of their way James 5.19 20. 1 John 5.16 If any man see his Brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death 2. In withdrawing from them even as to ordinary converse for their conviction of their state and condition 1 Cor. 5.11 2 Thes. 3.14 With such a one no not to eat 3. In admonishing of him 2 Cor. 3.15 admonish him as a Brother which may be done 1 Occasionally by any Member of the Church 2 On set purpose by the consent and appointment of the whole Church which admonition is to contain 1. A prâ—ssing of his sin from the rule on the Conscience of the offender 2. A declaration of the nature of the censure and punishment which he lyeth under 3. A manifestation of the danger of his impenitency in his being either hardened by the deceitfulness of sin or exposed unto new temptations of Sathan Eighthly In case the Lord Jesus be pleased to give a blessed effect unto this ordinance in the repentance of the person cut of and cast out off the Church he is First To be forgiven both by those who in an especial manner were offended at him and by him and by the whole Church Matth. 18.18 2 Cor. 2.7 Secondly To be comforted under his sorrow 2 Cor. 2.7 And that by 1 The application of the promises of the Gospel unto his Conscience 2 A declaration of the readiness of the Church to receive him again into their love and communion Fourthly Restored 1 By a confirmation or testification of the love of the Church unto him 2 Cor. 2.8 2 A readmission unto the exercise and enjoyment of his former priviledges in the fellowship of the Church all with a spirit of meekness Gal. 6.1 Quest. 47. The preservation of the Church in purity order and holiness being provided for by what way is it to be continued and increased Answ. The way appointed thereunto is by adding such as being effectually called unto the obedience of faith shall voluntarily offer themselves unto the society and fellowship thereof Acts 2.41 2 Cor. 8.5 Explication The means appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ for the continuance and increase of the Church are either preparitory unto it or instrumentally efficient of it The principal means subservient or preparitory unto the continuance and increase of the Church is the preaching of the Word to the conviction illumination and conversion of sinners whereby they may be made meet to become living stones in this spiritual building and members of the mystical body of Christ. And this is done either ordinarily in the Assemblies of the Church towards such as come in unto them and attend to the Word dispensed according to the appointment of Christ amongst them 1 Cor. 14.24 25. If there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he he is judged of all and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest and so falling down on his face he will worship God or occasionally amongst the Men of the World Acts 8.4 Secondly the instrumentally efficient cause is that which is expressed in the answer namely the adding in due order unto it such as being effectually called unto the obedience of the faith and profession of the Gospel do voluntarily out of conviction of their duty and resolution to walke in subjection to all the ordinances and commands of Christ offer themselves to the society and fellowship thereof whereby they may be laid in this spiritual building as the stones were in the Temple of old which were hewed and fitted elsewhere Qu. 48 What is required of them who desire to joyn themselves unto the Church An. 1 That they be free from blame and offence in the World 2 That they be instructed in the saving truths and mysteries of the Gospel 3 Sound in the faith 4 That the Lord having called them unto faith repentance and newness of life by Iesus Christ they give up themselves to be saved by him and to obey him in all things and therefore 5 Are willing and ready through his grace to walke in subjection to all his commands and in the observation of all his lawes and institutions notwithstanding any difficulties oppositions or persecutions which they meet withall 1 1 Phil. 10. Chap. 2.15 1 Cor. 10.32 1 Thess. 2.11 12. Tit. 2.10 2 John 6.15 Acts 26.18 1 Pet. 2.9 2 Cor. 4.3 4 6. 3 1 Tim. 1.19 20. 2 Tim. 4.3 4. Tiâ— 1.13 Jude 3. 4 Ephe. 4.20 21 22 23 24. 5 2 Cor. 8.5 Qu. 49. What is the duty of the Elders of the Church towards persons desiring to be admitted unto the fellowship of the Church An. 1 To discern and judge by the rule of truth applied in love betwéen sincere professors and hypocritical pretenders 2 To instruct direct comfort and encourage in the way such as they judge to love the Lord Iesus in sincerity 3 to propose and recommend them unto the whole Church with prayers and supplications to God for them 4 To admit them being approved into the order and fellowship of the Gospel in the Church Acts 8.20 23. Tit. 1.10 Rev. 2.2 Jer. 15.19 Acts. 18.26 1 Thess. 2.7 8 11. Acts. 9.29 27. Rom. 14.1 Qu. 50 What is the duty of the whole Church in reference unto such persons An. To consider them in love and meekness according as their condition is known reported or testified unto them to approve of and rejoice in the grace of God in them and to receive them in love without dissimulaton 1 Cor. 13. Explication What in general is required unto the fitting of any persons
he made them known to whom he pleased Psalm 147.19 20. And although some of the wayes which he doth appoint may seem to have a great compliance in them unto the light of nature yet in his worship he accepts them not on that account but meerly on that of his own institution and this as he hath declared his will about in the second Commandment so he hath severely forbidden the addition of our own inventions unto what he hath appointed sending us for instruction unto him alone whom he hath endowed with Soveraign Authority to reveal his will and ordain his worship John 1.18 Matth. 17.5 1 Chron. 16.13 Qu. 3. How then are these wayes and means of the worship of God made known unto us Answ. In and by the written word only which contains a full and perfect Revelation of the will of God as to his whole worship and all the concernments of it John 5.39 Isa. 8.20 Luke 16.19 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. 1 Pet. 1.19 Deut. 4.2 chap. 12.32 Joshua 1.7 Prov. 30.6 Rev. 22.20 Isaiah 29.13 Explication The End wherefore God granted his word unto the Church was that thereby it might be instructed in his mind and will as to what concerns the worship and obedience that he requireth of us and which is accepted with him This the whole Scripture it self every where declares and speaks out unto all that do receive it as 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. with the residue of the testimonies above recited do declare It supposeth it declareth that of our selves we are ignorant how God is how he ought to be worshipped Isa. 8.20 Moreover it manifests him to be a jealous God exercising that holy property of his nature in an especial manner about his worship rejecting and despising every thing that is not according to his will that is not of his Institution Exod. 20.4 5. That we may know what is so he hath made a Revelation of his mind and will in his written word that is the Scripture and to the end that we might expect instruction from thence alone in his worship and act therein accordingly First he sends us and directs us thereunto expresly for that purpose Isa. 8.28 Luke 16.19 John 5.39 and not once intimates in the least any other way or means of instruction unto the end Secondly He frequently affirms that it is sufficient able and perfect to guide us therein 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. 1 Pet. 1.19 Psalm 19.7 8 9. and whereas he hath expresly given it unto us for that end if there be any want or defect therein it must arise from hence that either God would not or could not give unto us a perfect Revelation of his will neither of which can be imagined Thirdly He hath commanded us to observe all whatsoever he hath appointed therein and not to make any addition thereunto Joshua 1.7 Deut. 4.2 chap. 12.32 Prov. 30.6 Revel 22.20 And Fourthly Peculiarly interdicted us the use of any such things as are of the institution or appointment of Men Isa. 29.13 14. So that from the Scriptures alone are we to learn what is accepted with God in his worship Qu. 4. Have these wayes and means been alwayes the same from the beginning Answ. No! But God hath altered and changed them at sundry reasons according to the counsell of his own will so as he saw necessary for his own Glory and the Edification of his Church See Gen. 2.16 17. Gen. 17.10 11. Exod. 12.3 4 5. Exod. 20. Chap. 25.9 Heb. 1.1 Heb. 9.10 11 12. Explication The externall worship whereof we speak being as was shewed before not naturall or moral arising necessarily from the dependance of the rationall creature on God as its first Cause chiefest Good last End and Soveraign Lord but proceeding from the meer will and pleasure of God determining how he will be honoured and glorified in the world was alwayes alterable by him by whom it was appointed And whereas ever since the entrance of sin into the World God had alwayes respect unto the promise of the Lord Christ and his mediation in whom alone he will be glorified and faith in whom he aimed to begin and increase in all his worship he hath suited his Institutions of the means thereof to that dispensation of Light and knowledge of him which he was pleased at any time to grant Thus immediately after the giving of the promise he appointed sacrifices for the great means of his worship as to glorifie himself expresly by Mens off ring unto him of the principal good things which he had given them so to instruct them in the faith and confirm them in the expectation of the great sacrifice for sin that was to be offered by the promised seed Gen. 4.3 4. Heb. 11.4 These were the first instituted worship of God in the World after the entrance of sin Hereunto he nextly added Circumcision as an express sign of the Covenant with the grace of it which he called Abraham and his seed unto by Jesus Christ Gen. 17.10 11. And to the same general end and purpose he afterwards superadded the Passeover with its attendant institutions Exod. 12.23 24. And then the whole Law of institutions contained in Ordinances by the Ministery of Angels on Mount Sinai Exod 20. So by sundry degrees he built up that fabrick of his outward worship which was suited in his infinite wisdom unto his own glory and the edification of his Church untill the exhibition of the promised seed or the coming of Christ in the flesh and the accomplishment of the work of his mediation Heb. 1.1 for unto that season were those Ordinances to serve and no longer Heb. 9.10 11 12. And then were they removed by the same authority whereby they were instituted and appointed Col. 2.14 18 19 20. So that though God would never allow that Men upon what pretence soever should make any alteration in the worship appointed by him by adding unto it any thing of their own or omitting ought that he had commanded either in matter or manner notwithstanding that he knew that it was to abide but for a season but commanded all men straitly to attend to the observation of it whilest it was by him continued in force Mal. 4.4 yet he alwayes reserved unto himself the Soveraign power of altering changing or utterly abolishing it at his own pleasure which authority he exerted in the Gospel as to all the meer Institutions of the Old Testament Whilest they continued he inforced them with morall reasons as his own holiness and Authority but those reasons prove not any of those institutions to be morall unless they ensue upon those reasons alone and are no where else commanded for being once instituted and commanded they are to be inforced with morall considerations taken from the nature of God and our Duty in reference unto his Authority So saith he Thou shalt reverence my Sanctuary I am the Lord which no more proves that a morall Duty then that enjoyned upon the same foundation Levit.
be any part thereof Of this nature are the celebration of all other Ordinances with prayer for every thing is sanctified by the word of God and prayer 1 Tim. 4.5 of some of them indispensably in the assemblies of the Church 1 Cor. 10.16 17. Chap. 11.20 24 25 33. With care in the observation of the general rules of love modesty condescention and prudence doing all things decently and in order 1 Cor. 11.33 Chap. 14.40 Gestures in some sacred actions Mat. 26.20 26. John 13.23 All which the Church is diligently to inquire into as things that belong to the pattern of the house of God the goings out thereof and the comings in thereof the forms thereof and the Ordinances thereof with the Laws thereof promised to be shewed unto it Ezek. 43.11 to attend carefully to their observation is its duty being left at liberty as to all other circumstances which no authority of man can give any real relation to the worship of God unto Therein lyes the exercise of that Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of the mysterie of the Gospel which is given unto the Church Ephes. 1.17 18. It was the wisdom of the antient Church to do and observe all that God appointed in the way and manner that he had prescribed for their observance Deut. 4.5 6. Behold I have taught you statutes and judgements even as the Lord my God commanded me keep therefore and do them for this is your wisdom and understanding And herein is the command of Christ kept inviolate and unblameable The perswasion of some that the Lord hath not prescribed all things wherein his worship is concerned seems to proceed from a negligence in inquiring after what he hath so prescribed and when once that perswasion is entertained all farther inquiry is superseded and despised For to what end should any one seek after that which he is satisfied cannot be found as that which is not cannot be But this mistake will be elsewhere more fully discovered Thirdly A principal part of the duty of the Church in this matter is to take care that nothing be admitted or practised in the Worship of God or as belonging thereunto which is not instituted and appointed by the Lord Christ. In its care faithfulness and watchfulness herein consists the principal part of its loyalty unto the Lord Jesus as the Head King and Law-giver of his Church and which to stir us up unto he hath left so many severe interdictions and prohibitions in his word against all additions to his commands upon any pretence whatever of which afterwards Qu. 13. Are not some Institutions of the New Testament ceased as unto any obligation unto their observation and therefore now rightly disused Answ. 1. Some Symbolical tokens of moral duties occasionally used only for present instruction in those duties are mentioned in the Gospel without any intention to oblige Believers unto the formal constant use or repetition of them And 2. Some temporary appointments relating unto gifts in the Church bestowed only for a season in the first plantation of the Gospel are ceased but 3. No institution or command of Christ given unto the whole Church relating unto the Evangelical administration of the New Covenant for the use and benefit of all Believers doth or shall cease to the end of the World nor can be wholly omitted without a violation of the authority of Iesus Christ himself John 13.12 13 14 15. Rom. 16.16 1 Cor. 16.20 1 Tim. 5.10 Mark 6.13 Jam. 5.14 Matth. 28.20 1 Tim. 6.14 1 Cor. 11.16 Explication Mention is made in the Scriptures of sundry things practised by the Lord Christ and his Apostles which being then in common use amongst men were occasionally made by them Symbolical instructions in moral duties Such were washing of feet by one another the holy kiss and the like but there being no more in them but a sanctâ—fied use directed unto the present civil customes and usages the commands given concerning them respect not the outward action nor appointed any continuance of them being peculiarly suited unto the state of things and Persons in those Countries as John 13.12 13 14 15. After he had washed their feet and had taken his garments and was set down again he said unto them know ye what I have done to ye ye call me Master and Lord and ye say well for so I am if I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet for I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you 'T is evident that it is the moral duty of brotherly love in condescention and mutual helpfulness to be expressed in all necessary offices as occasion doth require that is the thing which Jesus Christ here enjoyneth his Disciples and leads them to by his own example in an office of love then in use in those parts The same is to be said of the holy kiss Rom. 16.16 which was a temporary occasional token of entire love which may in answer thereunto be expressed by any sober usage of salutation amongst men to the same purpose But the things themselves were not instituted for any continuance nor do represent any special grace of the New Covenant which is inseperable from every institution of Gospel worship properly so called Common usages or practises therefore directed to be used in a due manner and unto a proper end where they are used make them not institutions of worship Neither have they in them as so commanded or directed any one thing that concurs to the constitution of a Gospel-Ordinance for neither had they their rise in the authority of Christ nor is any continuance of them enjoyned nor any promise annexed unto them nor any grace of the New Covenant represented or exhibited in them Besides there were in the first Churches continued for a while certain extraordinary gifts that had their effects visibly on the outward senses of men and tended not immediately unto the edification of the Church in their faith but unto the conviction of others and vindication of the authority of them by whom the Gospel was Preached and propagated Such was that gift of healing the sick which being an especial effect of the Holy-Ghost for the advantage of the Church in those dayes in some places it was accompanied by anointing with Oyle but this being no universal practice and used only in the exercise of a gift extraordinary whose use and being are long since ceased it never was appointed nor intended to be of continuance in the Church which is not tyed by the Lord Christ to the empty signs and shadows of things whose substance is not enjoyed besides no spiritual grace of the Covenant was ever intimated sealed or exhibited by that usage of anointing with Oyle The first mention of it is Mark 6.13 where its practice is reckoned among the effects of that extraordinary power which the Lord Christ committed unto his twelve Disciples on their first
26.16 19. these are sufficient intimations of what care and diligence we ought to use in attending unto what God hath appointed in his worship and although now under the new Testament he doth not ordinarily proceed to the inflicting of temporal judgements in thâ— like cases of neglect yâ—â— he hath not wholly left us without instances of his putting forth tokens of his displeasure in temporal visitations on such miscarriages in his Church 1 Cor. 11.30 For this cause saith the Apostle many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep From all which it appeares of what concernment it is unto the glory of God and the salvation of our own souls to attend diligently unto our duty in the strict and sincere observation of the worship of the Gospel for he lets us know that now a more severe punishment is substituted against such transgressions in the room of that which he so visibly inflicted under the old Testament Heb. 10.25 26 27 28 29. Qu. 16. Is there yet any other consideration that may stir up Beleivers to an holy and religious care about the due observation of the institutions of the Gospel Answ. Yea namely that the great apostacy of the Church in the last dayes foretold in the Scripture and which God threatneth to punish and revenge consists principally in false worship and a departure from the institutions of Christ. Rev. 14.4 5. Chap. 17.1 2 3 5. Explication That there is an Apostacy of the Church foretold in the book of the Revelations is acknowledged by all who with sincerity have inquired into the minde of God therein The state of things at this day and for many ages past in the World sufficiently confirm that perswasion And herein sundry things in general are obvious unto every sober consideration thereof First the horrible evils troubles and confusions that are to be brought into and upon the World thereby Secondly the high guilt and provocation of God that is contained in it and doth accompany it Thirdly the dreadful vengeance that God in his appointed time will take upon all the promoters and obstinate maintainers of it These things are at large all of them foretold in the Revelation and therein also the Apostacy it self is set forth as the cause of all the plagues and destructions that by the righteous judgement of God are to be brought upon the World in these latter dayes Now as God doth earnestly call upon all that fear him not to intermeddle nor partake in the sins of the Apostates lest they should also partake in their judgements Chap. 18.4 I heard a voice from Heaven saying come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues So he doth plainly declare wherein the apostacy and sin it self should principally consist and that is in the corrupting and contaminating of the Ordinances of his worship or the introduction of false worship joyned with the persecution of them who refused to submit thereunto For this cause is the sin it self set out under the name of fornication and whoredome and the Church that maintains it is called the Mother of Harlots Chap. 17.5 That by fornication and whoredome in the Church the adulterating of the worship of God and the admission of false self-invented worship in the room thereof whereof God is jealous is intended the Scripture every where declares It is easie then to gather of how great concernment unto us it is especially in these latter dayes wherein this so hainous and provoking sin is prevalent in the World carefully to attend unto the safe unerring rule of Worship and diligently to perform the duties that are required therein Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God Answ. 1. The calling gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship 2. Prayer with thanksgiving 3. Singing of Psalms 4. Preaching the word 5. Administration of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. 6. Discipline and rule of the Church collected and setled most of which have also sundry particular duties relating unto them and subservient unto their due observation 1. Matth. 28.19 20. Acts 2.41 42. 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.11 12. Matth. 18.17 18 19. 1 Cor. 4.17 1 Cor. 7.17 Acts 14.23 Titus 1.5 1 Tim. 3.15 2. 1 Tim. 2.1 Acts 6.4 Acts 13.2 3. 3. Ephes. 5.19 Colos. 3.16 4. 2 Tim. 4.2 Acts 2.42 1 Cor. 14.3 Acts 6.2 Heb. 13.7 5. Matth. 28.19 Matth. 26.26 27. 1 Cor. 11.23 6. Matth. 18.17 18 19. Rom. 12.6 7 8. Rev. 2.3 Explication These things being all of them afterwards to be spoken unto severally and apart need not here any particular Explication They are the principal heads wherein Gospel-worship consisteth and whereunto the particular duties of it may be reduced Qu. 18. Whereas sundry of these things are founded in the light and law of nature as requisite unto all solemn worship and are moreover commanded in the moral Law and explications of it in the Old Testament how do you look upon them as Evangelical institutions to be observed principally on the authority of Jesus Christ Answ. Neither their general suitableness unto the principles of right reason and the dictates of the light and law of nature nor the practice of them in the worship of God under the Old Testament do at all hinder them from depending on the meer institution of Iesus Christ as to those especial ends of the â—â—â—ry of God in and by himself and the edification of his Church in the faith which is in him whereunto he hath appointed them Nor as unto that especial manner of their performance which he requireth in which respects they are to be observed on â—he account of his authority and command only Matth. 17.5 Matth. 28. â—0 John 16.23 24. Heb. 3.4 5 6. Ephes. 1.22 Chap. 2.20 21 22. Heb. 12.25 Explication The principal thing we are to aim at in the whole worship of God is the discharge of that duty which we owe to Jesus Christ the King and head of the Church Heb. 3.6 Christ as a Son over his own house whose house are we 1 Tim. 3.15 That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thy self in the house of God which is the Church of the living God This we cannot do unless we consider his authority as the formal reason and cause of our observance of all that we do therein If we perform any thing in the worship of God on any other account it is no part of our obedience unto him and so we can neither expect his grace to assist us nor have we his promise to accept us therein for that he hath annexed unto our doing and observing whatever he hath commanded and that because he hath commanded us Matth. 28 20. teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and loe I am with you alwayes even
unto the end of the World This promised presence respects only the observance of his commands Some men are apt to look on this authority of Christ as that which hath the least influence into what they do If in any of his institutions they find any thing that is suited or agreeable unto the light of nature as Ecclesiastical societies government of the Church and the like they say are they suppose and contend that that is the ground on which they are to be attended unto and so are to be regulated accordingly The interposition of his authority they will allow only in the Sacraments which have no light in reason or nature so desirous are some to have as little to do with Christ as they can even in the things that concern the worship of God But it would be somewhat strange that if what the Lord Christ hath appointed in his Church to be observed in particular in an especial manner for especial ends of his own hath in the general nature of it an agreement with what in like cases the light of nature seems to direct unto that therefore his authority is not to be considered as the sole immediate reason of our performance of it But it is evident First That our Lord Jesus Christ being the King and Head of his Church the Lord over the house of God nothing is to be done therein but with respect unto his authority Matth. 17.5 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear ye him Ephes. 4.15 Speaking the truth in love grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplyeth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love Eph. 2.20 21. Ye are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord in whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the spirit Secondly And that therefore the suitableness of any thing to right reason or the light of nature is no ground for a Church observation of it unless it be also appointed and commanded in especial by Jesus Christ. Thirdly That being so appointed and commanded it becomes an especial institution of his and as such is to be observed so that in all things that are done or to be done with respect unto the worship of God in the Church the authority of Christ is alwayes principally to be considered and every thing to be observed as commanded by him without which consideration it hath no place in the Worship of God Quest. 19. What is an instituted Church of the Gospel Answ. A society of Persons called out of the World or their natural worldly state by the administration of the Word and Spirit unto the obedience of the Faith or the knowledge and Worship of God in Christ â—oyned together in an holy band or by special agreement for the exercise of the communion of Saints in the due observation of all the Ordinances of the Gospel Rom 1.5 6. 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Cor. 14.15 Heb. 3 1. James 1.18 Rev. 1.20 1 Peter 2.5 Ephes. 2.21.22 23. 2 Cor. 6.16 17 18. Explication The Church whose nature is here inquired after is not the Catholick Church of elect Believers of all ages and seasons from the beginning of the World unto the end thereof nor of any one age nor the universality of professors of the Gospel but a particular Church wherein by the appointment of Christ all the Ordinances of the Worship of God are to be observed and attended unto according to his Will For although it be required of them of whom a particular Church is constituted that they be true Believers seeing that unless a man be born again he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God and so on that account they be members of the Church Catholick as also that they make visible profession of faith and obedience unto Jesus Christ yet moreover it is the will command and appointment of Christ that they should be joyned together in particular societies or Churches for the due observation of the Ordinances of the Gospel which can alone be done in such Assemblies For as the members of the Catholick Church are not known unto one another meerly on the account of that faith and union with Christ which makes them so whence the whole society of them is as such invisible to the World and themselves visible only on the account of their profession and therefore cannot meerly as such observe the Ordinances of the Gospel which observation is their profession so the visible Professors that are in the World in any age cannot at any time assemble together which from the nature of the thing it self and the institution of Christ is indispensably necessary for the celebration of sundry parts of that worship which he requires in his Church and therefore particular Churches are themselves an Ordinance of the New Testament as the National Church of the Jews was of old For when God of old erected his Worship and enjoyned the solemn observation of it he also appointed a Church as his institution for the due celebration of it That was the people of Israel solemnly taken into a Church relation with him by covenant wherein they took upon themselves to observe all the laws and ordinances and institutions of his worship Exod. 20.19 Speak thou with us and we will hear Exod. 24.3 And Moses came and told the People all the words of the Lord and all the judgements and all the people answered with one voice and said all the words which the Lord hath said we will do Deut. 5.27 All that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee we will hear it and do it And God accordingly appointed them Ordinances to be observed by the whole congregation of them together at the same time in the same place Exod. 23.17 Three times in the year all thy Males shall appear before the Lord thy God Deut. 16.16 Three times in a year all thy Males shall appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose Neither would God allow any stranger any one not of the Church so instituted by him to celebrate any part of his instituted worship untill he was solemnly admitted into that Church as a member thereof Exod. 12.47 48. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it and when a stranger shall sojourn with thee and will keep the Passover to the Lord let all his Males be circumcised and then let him come near and keep it and he shall be as one that is born in the Land for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof To the same end and purpose when the knowledge of God was to be diffused all the World over by the preaching of the Gospel
therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over which the Holy-Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 1 Pet. 5.2 The Elders which are among you I exhort feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof 1 Tim. 3.15 Colos. 4.17 And say to Archippus take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfill it They were the Churches of Christ wherein they ministred which Christ appointing them to take care of manifests to be his own institution and appointment And this is fully declared Rev. chap. 2.3 where all the dealings of Christ with his Angels or Ministers are about their behaviour and deportment among his Candlesticks each of them the Candlestick whereunto he was related or the particular Churches that they had care of and presided in the Candlesticks being no less of the institution of Christ than the Angels And they were distinct particular Churches which had their distinct particular Officers whom he treateth distinctly withall about his institutions and worship especially about that of the state of the Churches themselves and their constitution according to his mind Secondly There is no instruction exhortation or reproof given unto any of the Disciples of Christ after his ascension in any of the books of the New Testament but as they were collected into and were members of such particular Churches This will be evidenced in the many instances of those duties that shall afterwards be insisted on And the Lord Christ hath not left that as a matter of liberty choice or conveniency which he hath made the foundation of the due manner of the performance of all those duties whereby his Disciples yield obedience unto his commands to his glory in the World Sixthly The principal writings of the Apostles are expresly directed unto such Churches and all of them intentionally 1 Cor. 1.1 2 Cor. 1.1 Gal. 1.2 Phil. 1.1 Colos. 1.2 chap. 4.16 1 Thes. 1.1 2 Thes. 1.1 Ephes. 1.1 compared with Acts 20.17 1 Pet. 5.2 or unto particular persons giving directions for their behaviour and duty in such Churches 1 Tim. 3.15 Tit. 1.5 So that the great care of the Apostles was about these Churches as the principal institution of Christ and that whereon the due observance of all his other commands doth depend Of what nature or sort these Churches were shall be afterwards evinced we here only manifest their institution by the authority of Christ. Seventhly Much of the writings of the Apostles in those Epistles directed to those Churches consists in rules precepts instructions and exhortations for the guidance and preservation of them in purity and order with their continuance in a condition of due obedience unto the Lord Christ. To this end do they so fully and largely acquaint the Rulers and Members of them with their mutual duty in that especial relation wherein they stand to each other as also of all persons in particular in what is required of them by vertue of their Membership in any particular society as may be seen at large in sundry of Pauls Epistles And to give more strength hereunto our Lord Jesus Christ in the revelation that he made of his mind and will personally after his ascension into Heaven insisted principally about the condition order and preservation of particular Churches not taking notice of any of his Disciples not belonging to them or joyned with them These he warns reproves instructs threatens commands all in order unto their walking before him in the condition of particular Churches Rev. 2. and 3. at large Besides As he hath appointed them to be the â—eat and subject of all his Ordinances having granted the right of them unto them alone 1 Tim. 3 1â— intrusting them with the exercise of that authority which he puts forth in the rule of his Disciples in this World he hath also appointed the most holy institution of his supper to denote and express thâ—â— union and communion which the members of each of these Churches have by his Ordinance among themsevles 1 Cor. 10.17 The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ for we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread And also he gives out unto them the gifts and graces of his spirit to make every one of them meet for and useful in that place which he holds in such Churches as the Apostle discourseth at large 1 Cor. 12.15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. verses Colos. 2.19 Eph. 4.16 It is manifest then that no Ordinance of Christ is appointed to be observed by his Disciples no communication of the gifts of the Holy-Ghost is promised to them no especial duty is required of them but with respect unto these Churches of his Institution In the Answer to this Question four things are declared tending to the Explication of the nature of a particular Church or Churches 1. The subject matter of them or the persons whereof such a Church doth or ought to consist 2. The means whereby they are brought into a condition capable of such an estate or qualified for it 3. The general ends of their calling 4. The especial means whereby they are constituted a Church which last will be spoken unto in the next Question For the first All men are by nature the children of wrath and do belong unto the World which is the Kingdom of Satan and are under the power of darkness as the Scripture every where declares In this state men are not subjects of the Kingdom of Christ nor meet to become members of his Church Out of this condition they cannot deliver themselves They have neither will unto it nor power for it but they are called out of it this calling is that which effectually delivers them from the Kingdom of Satan and translates them into the Kingdom of Christ. And this work or effect the Scripture on several accounts variously expresseth Sometimes by Regeneration or a new birth sometimes by conversion or turning unto God sometimes by vivification or quickening from the dead sometimes by illumination or opening of the eyes of the blind all which are carryed on by sanctification in holiness and attended with Justification and adoption And as these are all distinct in themselves having several formal reasons of them so they all concur to compleat that effectuall vocation or calling that is required to constitute persons members of the Church For besides that this is signified by the typical holiness of the Church of old into the room whereof reall holiness was to succeed under the new Testament Exod. 19.6 Psal. 24 3 4 5 6. Psal. 15.1 2. Isa. 35.8 9. Isa. 54.13 Chap. 60.21 1 Pet. 2.9 our Lord Jesus Christ hath laid it down as an everlasting rule that unless a man be born again
Church was eminently reformed Now although the outward solemnity and ceremonies of this covenant were peculiar unto that people yet as to the substance and nature of it in a sacred consent for the performance of all those duties towards God and one another which the nature and edification of a Church do require it belongs to every Church as such even under the Gosple And this is the way whereby Beleivers or the Disciples of Christ do enter into this state the formal constituting cause of any Church This account doth the Apostle give of the Churches of the Macedonians 2 Cor. 8.5 And this they did not as we hoped but first gave their own selves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God before the performance of other duties and in order thereunto they first gave themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ or took upon themselves the observance of his commands and institutions which is the intendment of that expression Among these commands one was that they should give up themselves to the Apostles doctrine Rule and government in the order by Christ prescribed that is in Church order This therefore they did by the will of God according to his will and appointment This description doth the Apostle give of the way whereby the Believers of Macedonia were brought into Churches It was by their own obedience unto the will of God consenting agreeing and taking upon themselves the observation of all the commands and institutions of Christ according to the direction and guidance of the Apostles So did the Believers at Jerusalem Acts 2.41 42. Being converted by the word and making profession of that conversion in their Baptism they gave up themselves to a stedfast continuance in the observation of all other Ordinances of the Gospel Besides the Church is an house a Temple the house of God 1 Tim. 3.15 The house of Christ Heb. 3.6 The Temple of God Ephe. 2.21 22. Believers singly considered are stones living stones 1 Peter 2.5 Now how shall these living stones come to be an house a Temple can it be by occasional occurrences civil cohabitation in political precincts usage or custome of assembling for some parts of worship in any place these things will never frame them into a house or Temple This can be no otherwise done but by-their own voluntary consent and disposition Ephe. 2.19 20 21 22. Ye are fellow-Citizens with the Saints and of the household of God and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord in whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit Chap. 4.16 From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplyeth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love From these and sundry other places it is manifest that the way and means of Believers coalition into a Church-state is their own obedience of faith acting it self in a joynt voluntary consent to walk together in an holy observation of the commands of Christ whence the being and union of a particular Church is given unto any convenient number of them by his Law and constitution Qu. 21. Seeing the Church is a society or spiritual incorporation of persons under rule government or Discipline declare who or what are the rulers governors or Officers therein under Jesus Christ An. They have been of two sorts 1 extraordinary appointed for a season only and 2 ordinary to continue unto the end of the World Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary Officers or Rulers or Ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only An. 1 The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ with 2 the Evangelists and Prophets indowed with extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghost associated with them and employed by them in their work and Ministry 1 Math. 10.2 3. Acts 1.26 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephe. 4.11 2 Luke 10.1 2 Tim. 4.5 Titus 1.5 Acts 11.27 28. Acts 21.9 10 11. 2. Cor. 1.1 Explication That the Church is a Spiritual corporation attended with rule and government is evident from the nature of the thing it self and testimonies of Scripture Only as the Kingdome of Christ is not of this World or Worldly so this rule and government of the Church is not mearly external and secular but spiritual Neither doth this rule at all belong unto it merely as materially considered in men yielding obedience unto the call which is the foundation of the Church nor absolutely as it is formally constituted a Church by the consent and agreement described but moreover it is required that it be organically compleat with Officers or rulers now to the constitution of such a society or corporation there is required First that the persons whereof it is constituted do consent together into it for the attaining of the ends which they design Without this no society of any kind can exist This is the form of mens coalescencie into societyes And that there is in the Church such a consent and agreement hath been shewed Secondly that there be Rules or Laws for the guidance and direction of all the Members of the society in order to their pursuit of the proper ends of it That such Rules or Lawes are given and prescribed by the Lord Christ unto the Church will afterwards appear in our consideration of them in particular so that the Church is a society of men walking according unto Rule or Law for the attaining of the ends of the society Thirdly that there be Authority instituted for to see to the due Observation of these Rules and Lawes of the society which consists in this 1 That some be appointed to Rule and Govern in the Church 2 Others to Obey and be Ruled or Governed both according to the Laws of the society and not otherwise And both these are eminently found in this Church-state as we shall see in the ensuing Question with their Answers and Explications Now that these Officers or Rulers should be of two sorts both the nature of the thing it self required and so hath our Lord Jesus Christ appointed For when the Church was first to be called gathered and erected it was necessary that some Persons should 〈◊〉 extraordinarily employed in that work for ordinary Officers antecedent unto the calling and erection of the Church there could be none And therefore these pesons were in an extraordinary manner endowed with all that power which afterwards was to reside in the Churches themselves and moreover with that which was peculiarly needful unto the discharge and performance of that special duty and work that they were appointed unto But when Churches were called gathered erected and setled for continuance there was need of Officers suited to their state and condition called in an ordinary way that is
in a way appointed for continuance unto the end of the World and to be employed in the ordinary work of the Church that is the duties of it which were constantly incumbent on it by virtue of the command and appointment of Christ. Quest. 23. Who are the ordinary Officers or Ministers of Christ in the Church to be alwayes continued therein Answ. Those whom the Scripture calls Pastours and Teachers Bishops Elders and Guides Acts 14.23 Acts 20.17 18. 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes. 4.11 Phil. 1.1 1 Tim. 3.1 2. chap. 5.17 Titus 1.5 7. Heb. 13.7 17. 1 Pet. 5.1 Explication Several names are on several accounts partly designing their authority partly their duty and partly the manner of their discharge thereof assigned in the Scripture to the ordinary Ministers of the Churches Sometimes they are called Pastors and Teachers Ephes. 4.11 1 Cor. 12.28 Sometimes Bishops or Overseers Phil. 1.1 Act. 20.28 Titus 1.5 Sometimes Elders 1 Pet. 5.1 1 Tim. 5.17 Act. 14.23 Act. 20.17 Sometimes Guides Heb. 13.7 17. By all which names and sundry others whereby they are expressed the same sort order and degree of persons is intended Nor is any one of these names applyed or accommodated unto any but all the rest are also in like manner so that he who is a Pastor or a Teacher is also a Bishop or Overseer a Presbyter or Elder a Guide or Ruler a Minister a servant of the Church for the Lords sake And of all other names assigned to the Ministers of the Church that of Bishop can least of all be thought to have designed any special order or degree of preheminence amongst them For whereas it is but four times or in four places used in the New Testament as denoting any officers of the Church in each of them it is manifest that those expressed by the other names of Elders and Ministers are intended So Act. 20.28 the Bishops are the Elders of the particular Church of Ephesus verse the 17. Phil. 1.1 there were many Bishops in that one particular Church who had only Deacons joyned with them that is they were the Elders of it Tit. 1.8 the Bishops were the Elders to be ordained vers the 5. which persons are also directly intended 1 Tim. 3.2 as is evident from the coincidence of the directions given by the Apostle about them and the immediate adjoyning of Deacons unto them vers 8. So that no name could be fixed on with less probability to assert from it a special supream order or degree of men in Ministry than this of Bishops Neither is there any mention in any place of Scripture of any such preheminence of one sort of these Church-Officers or Ministers over another not in particular in those places where the Officers of the Church are in an especial manner enumerated as 1 Cor. 12.28 Eph. 4.11 Rom. 12.5 6 7 8. Nor is there any mention of any special office that should be peculiar unto such Officers or of any gifts or qualifications that should be required in them or of any special way of calling or setting apart to their office nor of any kind of Church that they should relate unto different from the Churches that other Elders or Pastors do Minister in nor of any special rule or direction for their tryal nor any command for obedience unto them but what are common to all Ministers of the Churches of Christ â—uly discharging their trust and performing their duty no intimation is given unto either Elders or Ministers to obey them or directions how to respect them nor unto them how to behave themselves towards them but all these things are spoken and delivered promiscuously and equally concerning all Ministers of the Gospel It is evident then that these appellations do not belong unto one sort of Ministers not one more than another and for what is pleaded by some from the example of Timothy and Titus it is said that when any persons can prove themselves to be Evangelists 1 Tim. 4.5 to be called unto their office upon antecedent prophecy 1 Tim. 1.18 and to be sent by the Apostles and in an especial manner to be directed by them in some employment for a season which they are not ordinarily to attend unto Titus 1.5 Chap. 3.12 It will be granted that they have another duty and office committed unto them than those who are only Bishops or Elders in the Scripture Quest. 24. What are the principal differences between these two sorts of Officers or Rulers in the Church extraordinary and ordinary Answ. 1. The former were called to their office immediately by Iesus Christ in his own Person or revelation made by the Holy-Ghost in his name to that purpose the latter by the suffrage choice and appointment of the Church it self 2. The former both in their Office and work were independant on and antecedent unto all or any Churches whose calling and gathering depended on their office as its consequent and effect the latter in both consequent unto the calling gathering and constituting of the Churches themselves as an effect thereof in their tendency unto compleatness and perfection 3. The authority of the former being communicated unto them immediately by Iesus Christ without any intervenient actings of any Church extended it self equally unto all Churches whatever that of the latter being derived unto them from Christ by the election and designation of the Church is in the exercise of it confined unto that Church wherein and whereby it is so derived unto them 4. They differ also in the gifts which were suited unto their several distinct works and employments 1 Matth. 10.2 Luke 10.1 Gal. 1.1 Acts 1.26 Acts 6.3 Acts 14.23 2 Joh. 20.21 22 23. Gal. 1.1 Ephes. 2.20 Rev. 21.14 Acts 14.23 Titus 1.5 7. 3 Matth. 28 18 19 20. 2 Cor. 11.28 Act. 20.28 1 Pet. 1.2 Colos. 4.17 4 1 Cor. 12.28 29 30. The Answer hereunto is such as needs no further Explication Quest. 25. What is required unto the due constitution of an Elder Pastor or Teacher of the Church Answ. 1 That he be furnished with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the Church and the Evangelical discharge of the work of the Ministry 2 That he be unblameable holy and exemplary in his conversation 3 That he have a willing mind to give up himself unto the Lord in the work of the Ministry 4 That he be called and chosen by the suffrage and consent of the Church 5 That he be solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer and imposition of hands unto his Work and Ministry 1 Ephes. 4.8 11 12 13. 2 Titus 1.7 8 9. 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5 6 7. 3 1. Peâ— 5.2 3. 4 Acts 14.23 5 Acts 13.2 1 Tim. 5.22 1 Tim. 4.14 Explication Five things are here said to be required unto the due and solemn constitution of a Minister Guide Elder Pastor or Teacher of the Church which as they do not all equally belong unto the essence of the call so they are all indispensably necessary
spoken concerning the appointment of this sort of Elders in the Church their usefulness in the necessity of their work and employment is evident For whereas a constant care in the Church that the conversation of all the members of it be such as becometh the Gospel that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be not evil spoken of is of great concernment and importance and the Pastors and Teachers being to give up themselves continually unto prayer and the ministry of the word cannot attend unto the constant and daily oversight thereof the usefulness of these Elders whose proper and peculiar work it is to have regard unto the holy walking of the Church must needs be manifest unto all But whereas in most Churches there is little or no regard unto the personal holiness of the members of them it is no wonder that no account should be had of them who are ordained by the Lord Christ to look after it and promote it The qualifications of these Elders with the way of their call and setting apart unto their Office being the same with those of the Teaching Elders before insisted on need not be here again repeated Their authority also in the whole rule of the Church is every way the same with that of the other sort of Elders and they are to act in the execution of it with equal respect and regard from the Church Yea the business of rule being peculiarly committed unto them and they required to attend thereunto with diligence in an especial manner the work thereof is principally theirs as that of labouring in the word and doctrine doth especially belong unto the Pastors and Teachers of the Churches And this institution is abused when either unmeet persons are called to this Office or those that are called do not attend unto their duty with diligence or do act only in it by the guidance of the Teaching Officers without a sence of their own authority or due respect from the Church Quest. 32. Is there no other ordinary Office in the Church but only that of Elders Answ. Yes of Deacons also Quest. 33. What are the Deacons of the Church Answ. Approved men chosen by the Church to take care for the necessities of the poor belonging thereunto and other outward occasions of the whole Church by the collection keeping and distribution of the Alms and other supplyes of the Church set apart and commended to the grace of God therein by Prayer Acts 6.3 5 6. Phil. 1.1 1 Tim. 3.8 9 10 11 12 13. Explication The Office of the Deacon the nature end and use of it the qualification of the persons to be admitted unto it the way and manner of their Election and setting apart are all of them plainly expressed in the Scripture Acts 6.1 2 3. There arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because the Widdows were neglected in the daily ministration then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said it is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve Tables wherefore Brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the Holy-Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business and the saying pleased the whole multitude and they chose Stephen c. whom they set before the Apostles and when they had prayed they laid their hands on them 1 Tim. 3.8 9 10 11 12 13. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double tongued not given to much Wine not given to filthy lucre holding the mystery of the faith in a pure Conscience and let these also first be proved then let them use the Office of a Deacon being found blameless the Husbands of one Wife ruling their Children and their own house well for they that have used the Office of a Deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus These things are thus plain and express in the Scrâ—pture But whereas many have grown weary of the observation of the institutions of the Gospel this Office hath for a long time been lost amongst the most of Christians By some the name is retained but applyed to another work duty and employment than this to which it is peculiarly appropriated in the Scripture Their proper and original work of taking care for the poor they say is provided for by others and therefore that office being needless another unto another purpose under the same name is erected Such are Deacons that may read Service Preach and Baptise when they have license thereunto But this choice to rejâ—ct an Office of the appointment of Christ under pretence of provision made for the duties of it another way and the erecting of one not appointed by him seems not equall But whereas it is our duty in all things to have regard to the authority of Christ and his appointments in the Gospel if we claim the priviledge of being called after his name some think that if what he hath appointed may be colourably performed another way without respect unto his institutions that is far the best But omitting the practice of other Men the things that concern this Office in the Church are as was said clear in the Scripture First The persons called unto it are to be of honest report furnished with the gifts of the Holy-Ghost especially with wisdom Acts 6.3 And those other endowments usefull in the discharge of their duty mentioned 1 Tim. 3.8 Secondly The way whereby they come to be made partakers of this Office is by the choice or election of the Church Acts 6.2 3 5. whereupon they are solemnly to be set apart by prayer Thirdly Their work or duty consists in a daily ministration unto the necessities of the poor Saints or Members of the Church Vers. 1 2. Fourthly To this end that they may be enabled so to do it is ordained that every first day the Members of the Church do contribute according as God enables them of their substance for the supply of the wants of the poor 1 Cor. 16.2 And also occasionally as necessity shall require or God move their hearts by his grace Fifthly Hereunto is to be added whatever by the providence of God may be conferred upon the Church for its outward advantage with reference unto the end mentioned Acts 4.34 35. Sixthly These supplyes of the Church being committed to the care and charge of the Deacons they are from 〈◊〉 to minister with diligence and wisdoâ— unto the necessities of the poor that so the needy may be supplyed that there may be none that lack the rich may contribute of their riches according to the mind of Christ and in obedience unto his command that they which minister well in this office may purchase to themselves a good degree and boldness in the faith and that in all the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified with praise and thanksgiving It belongs therefore unto Persons called unto this Office First To
acquaint themselves with the outward condition of those that appear to be poor and needy in the Church whether by the addresses of such poor ones who are bound to make known their wants occasions and necessities unto them or by the information of others or their own observation Secondly to acquaint the Elders and the Church as occasion requireth with the necessities of the poor under their care that those who are able may be stirred up by the Elders to a free supply and contribution Thirdly To dispose what they are entrusted with faithfully cheerfully tenderly with partiality or preferring one before another for any outward respect whatever Fourthly To keep and give an account unto the Church when called for of what they have received and how they have disposed of it that so they may be known to have well discharged their Office that is with care wisdom and tenderness whereby they procure to themselves a good degree with boldness in the faith and the Church is encouraged to entrust them farther with this sacrifice of their almes which is so acceptable unto God Quest. 24. Wherein consists the general duty of the whole Church and every member thereof in their proper station and condition Answ. In performing doing and kéeping inviolate all the commands and institutions of Iesus Christ walking unblameably and fruitfully in the World holding forth the Word of truth and glorifying the Lord Christ in and by the profession of his name and kéeping his testimony unto the end Matth. 28.20 Acts 2.42 Phil 2.15 16. Chap. 4.8 9. 1 Thes. 3.8 1 Pet. 4.10 11 12 13 14. 1 Tim. 3.15 Heb. 10.23 Explication Besides the general duties of Christianity incumbent on all Believers or Disciples of Christ as such there are sundry especial duties required of them as gathered into Church societies upon the account of an especial trust committed unto them in that state and condition For First the Church being appointed as the seat and subject of all the institutions of Christ and ordinances of Gospel worship it is its duty that is of the whole body and every member in his proper place to use all care watchfulness and diligence that all the commands of Christ be kept inviolate and all his institutions observed according to his mind and will Thus those added to the Church Acts 2.42 Together with the whole Church continued stedfastly which argues care circumspection and diligence in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and prayers Which principal duties are enumerated to express their respect towards all This is their standing fast in the Lord which was a matter of such joy to the Apostle when he found it in the Thessalonians 1 Ephe. 3.8 For now we live if ye stand fast in the Lord. That order and stedfastness which he rejoyced over in the Colossians Chap. 2.5 For though I am absent in the flesh yet am I with you in the spirit joying and boholding your order and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. And where this duty is despised men contenting themselves with what is done by others there is a great neglect of that faithfulness in obedience which the Church owes unto Jesus Christ. Secondly the Glory of the Lord Christ and the doctrine of the Gospel to be manifested in and by the power of an holy exemplary conversation is committed unto the Church and all the members of it This is one end wherefore the Lord Christ calls them out of the World separates them to be a peculiar people unto himself brings them forth unto a visible profession and puts his name upon them namely that in their walking and conversation he may shew forth the holiness of his doctrine and power of his spirit grace and example to effect in them all holiness godlyness righteousness and honesty in the World Hence are they earnestly exhorted unto these things Phil. 4.8.9 Brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue if their be any praise think on these things and that to this end that the doctrine of the Gospel may be adorned and Christ glorified in all things Tit. 2.10 And those who fail herein are said to be Enemies of the cross of Christ Phil. 3.18 As hindring the progress of the doctrine thereof by representing it undesirable in their conversation This also therefore even the dutie of universal holiness with an especial regard unto the honour of Christ and the Gospel which they are called and designed to testifie and express in the World is incumbent on the Church and every member of it namely as the Apostle speaks that they be blameless and harmless the sons of God without rebukes in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom they are to shine as lights in the World Phil. 2.15 Thirdly the care of declaring and manifesting the truth is also committed unto them Christ hath made the Church to be the pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3.15 where the truth of the Gospel is so firmly seated founded fixed established and then lifted up in the wayes of Christs appointment to be seen discerned and known by others And as this is done principally in the preaching of the Gospel by the Elders of the Church and in their contending for the truth once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. So it is also the duty of the whole Church to hold forth the word of life Phill. 2.16 by ministring of the gift that every man hath received 1 Peter 4.10 In the way of Christs appointment In these and the like instances doth our Lord Jesus require of his Church that they express in the World their subjection unto him and his authority and that they abide therein unto the end against all opposition whatever The sinful neglect of Churches in the discharge of their duty herein was one great means of that Apostacy from the rule of the Gospel which they generally of old fell into When the members of them began to think that they had no advantage by their state and condition but only the outward participation of some Ordinance of worship and no duty incumbent on them but only to attend and follow the motions and actings of their Guides the whole societies quickly became corrupt and fit to be disposed of according to the carnal interest of those that had by their neglect and sin gotten dominion over them And at all times as the people were negligent in their duty the Leaders of them were apt to usurp undue authority When the one sort will not do that which they ought the other are ready to take upon them what they ought not It is a circumspect performance of duty on all hands alone that will keep all sorts of persons in the Church within those bounds and limits and up to those rights and priviledges which Christ hath allotted and granted unto them
of the Church expressed which they are not to exceed in any thing Herein are bounds and limits fixed to the actings of the whole Church and of every part and member of it Thirdly This power or authority thus granted and conveyed by Jesus Christ is to be exercised as to the manner of the administration of discipline with skill and diligence Rom. 12.6 1 Cor. 12. and the skill required hereunto is a gift or an ability of mind bestowed by the Holy-Ghost upon men to put in execution the Laws of Christ for the government of the Church in the way and order by him appointed or a spiritual wisdom whereby men know how to behave themselves in the house of God in their several places for its due edification in faith and love 1 Tim. 3.15 And this ability of mind to make a due application of the Laws of the Gospel unto persons times and actions with their circumstances is such a gift of the Holy-Ghost as whereof there are several degrees answering to the distinct duties that are incumbent on the Rulers of the Church on the one hand and Members on the other And where this skill and wisdome is wanting there it is impossible that the Discipline of the Church should be preserved or carryed on Hereunto also diligence and watchfulness are to be added without which ability and power will never obtain their proper end in a due manner Rom. 12.6 7 8. Fourthly The end of this discipline is continuance increase and preservation of the Church according to the rule of its first institution 1 Cor. 5.7 This power hath Christ given his Church for its conservation without which it must necessarily decay and come to nothing Nor is it to be imagined that where any Church is called and gathered according to the mind of Christ that he hath left it destitute of power and authority to preserve it self in that state and order which he hath appointed unto it And that which was one principal cause of the decayes of the Asian Churches was the neglect of this Dicipline the power and priviledge whereof the Lord had left unto them and intrusted them withall for their own preservation in order purity and holiness And therefore for the neglect thereof they were greatly blamed by him Rev. 2.14 15 20. Chap. 3.2 as is also the Church of Corinth by the Apostle 1 Cor. 5.2 as they are commended who attended unto the diligent exercise of it Revel 2.2 Chap. 3.9 The disuse also of it hath been the occasion of all the defilements abominations and confusions that have spread themselves over many Churches in the World Quest. 42. Vnto whom is the power and administration of this Discipline committed by Jesus Christ Answ. As to the authority to be exerted in it in the things wherein the whole Church is concerned unto the Elders as unto tryall judgement and consent in and unto its exercise unto the whole Brotherhood as unto love care and watchfuless in private and particular cases to every member of the Church Matth. 24.45 Ephes. 4.13 14. Acts 20.28 1 Tim. 3.5 Chap. 5.17 Heb. 13.17 1 Pet. 2.3 1 Thes. 5.12 Gal. 6.1 2. 1 Cor. 4.14 1 Cor. 5.2 4 5. 2 Cor. 2.6 7 8. 2 Tim. 4.2 Explication It hath been shewed that this power is granted unto the Church by virtue of the Law and constitution of Christ. Now this Law assigns the means and way whereby any persons do obtain an interest therein and makes the just allotments to all concerned in it What this Law Constitution or Word of Christ assigns unto any as such that they are the first seat and subject of by what way or means soever they come to be intrusted therein Thus that power or authority which is given unto the Elders of the Church doth not first formally reside in the body of the Church unorganized or distinct from them though they are called unto their Office by their suffrage and choice but they are themselves as such the first subject of Office power For so is the Will of the Lord Christ. Nor is the interest of the whole Church in this power of discipline whatever it be given unto it by the Elders but is immediately granted unto it by the will and Law of the Lord Jesus First In this way and manner the Authority above described is given in the first place as such unto the Elders of the Church This Authority was before explained in answer unto the 28th question as also was the way whereby they receive it And it is that power of office whereby they are enabled for the discharge of their whole duty in the teaching and ruling of the Church called the power of the keyes from Mat. 16.19 Which expression being Metaphorical and in general lyable unto many interpretations is to be understood according to the declaration made of it in those particular instances wherein it is expressed Nor is it a two-fold power or Authority that the Elders of the Church have committed unto them one to teach and another to rule commonly called the power of order and of jurisdiction but it is one power of Office the duties whereof are of several kinds referred unto the two general heads first of teaching by preaching the word and celebration of the Sacraments and 2 Of rule or government By virtue hereof are they made Rulers over the house of God Matth. 24.45 Stewards in his house 1 Cor. 4.1 Overseers of the Church Act. 20.28 1 Peter 5.2 Guides unto the Church Heb. 13.7 17. Not that they have a supream or autocratorical power committed unto them to enable them to do what seems right and good in their own eyes seeing they are expresly bound up unto the terms of their Commission Matth. 28.19 20. To teach men to do and observe all and only what Christ hath commanded nor have they by virtue of it any dominion in or over the Church that is the laws rules or priviledges of it or the consciences of the Disciples of Christ to alter change add diminish or bind by their own authority 1 Pet. 5.3 Mark 10.42 43 44. But it is a power meerly ministerial in whose exercise they are unto the Lord Christ accountable servants Heb. 13.17 Matth. 24.45 And Servants of the Church for Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4.5 This authority in the Discipline of the Church they exert and put forth by virtue of their Office and not either as declaring of the power of the Church it self or acting what is delegated unto them thereby but as ministerially exercising the authority of Christ committed unto themselves Secondly The body of the Church or the multitude of the Brethren women being excepted by especial prohibition 1 Cor. 14.34 35. 1 Tim. 2.11 12. Is by the Law and constitution of Christ in the Gospel interested in the administration of this power of discipline in the Church so far as First To consider try and make a judgement in and about all persons things and causes in reference whereunto
it is to be exercised Thus the Brethren at Jerusalem joyned in the consideration of the observation of Mosaical ceremonies with the Apostles and Elders Act. 15.23 And the multitude of them to whom letters were sent about it likewise did the same Verse the 30 31 32. And this they thought it their duty and concernment to do Chap. 21 22. And they are blamed who applyed not themselves unto this duty 1 Cor. 5.4 5 6. Thence are the Epistles of Paul to the Churches to instruct them in their duties and priviledges in Christ and how they ought to behave themselves in the ordering of all things amongst them according to his mind And these are directed unto the Churches themselves either joyntly with their Elders or distinctly from them Phil. 1.1 And the whole preservation of Church-order is on the account of this duty recommended unto them Neither can what they do in complyance with their Guides and Rulers be any part of their obedience unto the Lord Christ unless they make previously thereunto a rational consideration and judgement by the rule of what is to be done Neither is the Church of Christ to be ruled without its knowledge or against its will nor in any thing is blind obedience acceptable to God Secondly The Brethren of the Church are intrusted with the priviledge of giving and testifying their consent unto all acts of Church power which though it belong not formally unto the authority of them it is necessary unto their validity and efficacy and that so far forth as that they are said to do and act what is done and effected thereby 1 Cor. 5.4 13. 2 Cor. 2.6 7 8. And they who have this priviledge of consent which hath so great an influence into the action and validity of it have also the liberty of dissent when any thing is proposed to be done the warrant whereof from the Word and the rule of its performance is not evident unto them Qu. 43. Wherein doth the exercise of the authority for discipline committed unto the Elders of the Church consist An. 1 In personal private admonition of any member or members of the Church in case of sin errour or any miscarriage known unto themselves 2 In publick admonition in case of offences persisted in and brought orderly to the knowledge and consideration of the Church 3 In the ejection of obstinate offenders from the society and communion of the Church 4 In exhorting comforting and restoring to the enjoyment and exercise of Church priviledges such as are recovered from the error of their wayes all according to the lawes rules and directions of the Gospel 1 Matth. 18.15 1 Thess. 5.14 1 Cor. 4.14 Titus 1.13 Chap. 2.15 2 Tim. 4.2 2 1 Tim. 5.19.20 Matth. 18.16 17. 3 Titus 3.10 1 Tim. 1.20 Matth. 18.17 1 Cor. 5.5 Gal. 5.12 4 2 Cor. 2.7 Gal. 6.1 2 Thess. 3.15 Qu. 44. May the Church cast any Person out of its communion without previous admonition An. It may in some cases where the offence is notorious and the scandal grievous so that nothing be done against other general rules 1 Cor. 4. Qu. 45. Wherein doth the liberty and duty of the whole brotherhood in the exercise of discipline in the Church in perticular consist An. 1 In a meek consideration of the condition and temptations of offenders with the nature of their offences when orderly proposed unto the Church 2 In judging with the Elders according to rule what in all cases of offence is necessary to be done for the good of the offenders themselves and for the edification and vindication of the whole Church 3 In their consent unto and concurrence in the admonition ejection pardoning and restoring of offenders as the matter shall require Gal. 6.1 2. 1 Cor. 5.2 4 5 12. 1 Cor. 6.2 2 Cor. 2 6 7 8. Qu. 46. What is the duty of private Members in reference unto the discipline appointed by Christ in his Church An. It is their duty in their mutual watch over one another to exhort each other unto holiness and perseverance and if they observe any thing in the wayes and walkings of of any of their fellow Members not according unto the rule and the duty of their profession which therefore gives them offence to admonish them thereof in private with love meekness and wisdom and in case they prevail not unto their amendment to take the assistance of some other Brethren in the same work and if they fail in success therein also to report the matter by the Elders direction unto the whole Church Matth. 18.16 17 18. 1 Thess. 5.14 Explication In these questions an enquirie is made after the exercise of discipline in the Church as to that part of it which belongs unto the reproof and correction of miscarriages according to the distribution of right power and priviledge before explained The first act hereof consists in private admonition for so hath our Lord ordained that in case any Brother or member of the Church do in any thing wâ—lk disorderly and not according to the rule of the Gospel that he or they unto whom it is observed and who are thereby offended may and ought to admonish the person or persons so offending of their miscarriage and offence concerning which is to be observed First what is previously required thereunto and that is First that in all the members of the Church there ought to be love without dissimulation They are to be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love Rom. 12.9 10. which as they are taught of God so they are greatly exhorted thereunto Heb. 13.1 This love is the bond of perfection the most excellent way and means of preserving Church order and farthering the edification thereof 1 Cor. 13. Without which well seated and confirmed in the hearts and minds of Church members no duty of their Relation can ever be performed in a due manner Secondly this love is to exert and put forth it self in tender care and watchfulness for the good of each other which are to work by mutual exhortations informations instructions according as opportunities do offer themselves or as the necessities of any do seem to require Heb. 3.13 Chap. 10.24 Secondly this duty of admonishing offenders privately and personally is common to the Elders with all the members of the Church neither doth it belong properly unto the Elders as such but as Brethren of the same society And yet by virtue of their office the Elders are enabled to do it with more Authority morally though office power properly be not exercised therein By virtue also of their constant general watch over the whole flock in the discharge of their office they are enabled to take notice of and discern miscarriages in any of the members sooner than others But as to the exercise of the discipline of the Church in this matter this duty is equally incumbent on every member of it according as the obligation on them to watch over one another and to exercise especial love