Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church Government or discipline is nothing els but that Forme order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ vpon earth both for the Constitution of it all the Administrations that therein are to bee performed 2 Church-Government is Considered in a double respect either in regard of the parts of Government themselves or necessary Circumstances thereof The parts of Government are prescribed in the word because the Lord Iesus Christ the King and Law-giver of his Church is no less faithfull in the house of God then was Moses who from the Lord delivered a form pattern of Government to the Children of Israel in the old Testament And the holy Scriptures are now also soe perfect as they are able to make the man of God perfect throughly furnished vnto euery good work therefore doubtless â—…o the well ordering of the house of God 3 The partes of Church-Government are all of them exactly described in the word of God being parts or means of Instituted worship according to the second Commandement therefore to continue one the same vnto the apearing of our Lord Iesus Christ as a kingdom that cannot be shaken untill hee shall deliver it up unto God euen the Father Soe that it is not left in the power of men officers Churches or any state in the world to add or diminish or alter any thing in the least measure therâ—…in 4 The necessary circumstances as time place c belonging unto order and decency are not soe left unto men as that under pretence of them they may thrust their own Inventions upon the Churches Being Circumscribed in the word with many Generall â—…imitations where they are determined in respect of the matter to be neither worship it self nor Circumstances seperable from worship in respect of their end they must be done vnto edification in respect of the manner decently and in order according to the nature of the things them selves Civill Church Custom doth not euen nature it selfe teach you yeâ—… they are in some sort determined particularly namely that they be done in such a manner as all Circumstances considered is most expedient for edification so as if there bee no errour of man concerning their determination the determining of them is to be accounted as if it were divine CHAP II. Of the nature of the Catholick Church in Generall in speciall of a particular visible Church THe Catholick Church is the whole company of those that are elected redeemed in time effectually called from the state of sin death vnto a state of Grace salvation in Iesus Christ 2 This church is either Triumphant or Militant Triumphant the number of them who are Gloryfied in heaven Militant the number of them who are conflicting with their enemies vpon earth 3. This Militant Church is to bee considered as Invisible Visible Invisible in respect of their relation wherin they stand to Christ as a body unto the head being united unto him by the spirit of God faith in their hearts Visible in respect of the profession of their faith in their persons in particuler Churches so there may be acknowledged an universall visible Church 4 The members of the Militant visible Church considered either as not yet in church-church-order or as walking according to the church-order of the Gospel In order so besides the spiritual union communion common to all belivers they injoy more over an union communion ecclesiasticall-Politicall so wee deny an universall visible church 5 The state of the members of the Militant visible church walking in order was either before the law Oeconomical that is in families or under the law National or since the comming of Christ only congregational The term Independent wee approve not Therfore neither national provincial not classical 6 A Congregational-church is by the instâ—…titution of Christ a part of the Militant-visible-church consistinâ—… of a company oâ—… Saints by calling unâ—…ed into one body by 〈◊〉 holy covenant for the publick worship of God thâ—… mutuall edification one of another in the Fellowship oâ—… the Lord Iesus CHAP III. Of the matter of the visible Church Both inrâ—…spect of Quality and Quantity THe matter of a visible church are Saints by calling 2 By Saints wee understand 1 Such as haue not only attained the knowledge of the principles of Religion are free from grâ—…s open scandâ—…ls but also do together with the profession of their faith Repentance walk iâ—… blameles obedience to the word so as that in charitable discretion they may be accounted Saints by calling though perhaps some or more of them be unsound hypocrites inwardlyâ—… becâ—…se the members of such particular churches are commonly by the holy ghost called Saints faithfull brethren in Christ and sundry câ—…ch es haue been reproued for receiving suffering such persons to câ—…ntinu in fellowship amongst them as have been offensive scandalous the name of God also by this means is Blasphemed the holy things of God defiled Prophaned the hearts of godly griâ—…ved the wicked themselves hardned holpen forward to â—…nation the example of such doeth endanger the sanctity of others A litle Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump 2 The children of such who are also holy 3 The members of churches though orderly constituted may in time degenerate grow corrupt scandalous which though they ought not to be â—…olerated in the church yet their continuâ—…ce â—…erein through the defect of the execution of discipline Juâ—… 〈◊〉 doth not immediately dâ—…ssolv the being of the church as appeares in the church of Israell the churches of Gâ—…latia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet wee conceive the substance of it is kept where there is 〈◊〉 real Agreement consent of a company of faithful persons to meet constantly together in one Congregation for the publick worship of God their mutuall edification which real agreement consent they doe express by their constant practise in comming together for the publick worship of God by their religious subjection unto the ordinances of God theâ—…e the rather if wee doe consider how Scripture covenants have been entred into not only expressly by word of mouth but by sâ—…crifice by hand writing seal also somtimes by silent coâ—…sent without any writing or expression of words at all 5 This forme then being by mutuall covenant it followeth it is not faith in the heart nor the profession of that faith nor cohabitation nor Baptisme 1 Not faith in the heart becaus that is invisible 2 not a bare profession because that declareth them no more to be members of one church then of another 3 not Cohabitation Athiests or Infidels may dwell together with beleivers 4 not Baptism because it presupposseth a church estate as circumcision in the old
church IIX To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition IX And as they shall be sent for to visit to pray over their sick brethren X at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto 3 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus somtime they are called Helps The Scripture telleth us how they should be qualified Grave not double tougued not given to much wine not given to filthy lucre they must first be proved then use the office of a Deacon being found Blameless The office and work of the Deacons is to receive the offrings of the church gifts given to the church to keep the treasury of the church therewith to serve the Tables which the church is to provide for as the Lords Table the table of the ministers of such as are in necessitie to whom they are to distribute in simplicity 4 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the church it extends not unto the attendance upon administration of the spirituall things thereof as the word and Sacraments or the like 5 The ordinance of the Apostle practice of the church commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints 6 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church is the work of God himselfe of the Lord Iesus Christ of the holy Ghost therefore such officers 〈◊〉 he hath not appointed are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the church or to be retained therin are to be looked at as humane creatures meer Inventions appointments of man to the great dishonour of Christ Jesus the Lord of his house the King of his church whether Popes Patriarkes Cardinals Arch-bishops Lord 〈◊〉 Arch-â—…eacons Officials Commissaries the like These the rest of that Hierarchy Retinue not being plants of the Lords planting shall all be certeinly be rooted out cast forth 7 The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows where they may be had to minister in the church in giving attendance to the sick to give succour unto them others in the like necessities CHAP IIX Of the Electon of Church-Officers NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself but he that was called of God as was Aaron 2 Calling unto office is either Immediate by Christ himself such was the call of the Apostles Prophets this manner of calling ended with them as hath been said or Mediate by the church 3 It is meet that before any be ordained or chosen officers they should first be 〈◊〉 proveâ—… because hands are nâ—…t suddenly to be laid upon any both Elders Deacons must be of honest good repoâ—…t 4 The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed are those gifâ—…s virtues which the Scripture requireth in men that are to be elected into such places viz that Elders must be blamelesâ—… sober apt to teach endued with such other qualifications as are layd downe 1 Tim: 3 2. Tâ—…t 1. 6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted as is directed Acts. 6 3. 1 Tim: 3. 8 to 11. 5 Officers are to be called by such Churches whereunto they are to minâ—…ster of such moment is the preservation of this power that the churches excercised it in the presence of the Apostles 6 A Church being free cannot become subject to any but by a free election Yet when such a people do chuse any to be over them in the Lord then do they becomâ—… subject most willingly submit to their ministry in the Lord whom they have so chosen 7 And if the church have powr to chuse their officers ministers then in case of manifest unworthyness delinquency they have powr also to depose them For to open shut to chuse refuse to constitute in office remove from office are acts belonging unto the same powr 8 Wee judge it much conducing to the wel-being communion of churches that where it may conveniently be done neighbour-churches be advâ—…sed withall their help made use of in the triall of church-officers in order to their choyce 9 The choyce of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil-magistrates as such or diocesan-bishops or patrones for of these or any such like the Scripture is wholly silent as having any power therin CHAP IX Of Ordination Imposition of hands CHurch-officers are not only to be chosen by the Church but also to be ordeyned by Imposition of hands prayer with which at the ordination of Elders fasting also is to be joyned 2 This ordination wee account nothing else but the solemn putting of a man into his place office in the Church wher-unto he had right before by election being like the installing of a magistrat in the common wealth Ordination therefore is not to go before but to follow election the essence substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the Church doth not consist in his ordination but in his voluntary free election by the Church in his accepting of that election wher-upon is founded the relation between Pastor flock between such a minister such a people Ordination doth not constitute an officer nor give him the essentials of his office The Apostles were elders without Imposition of hands by men Paul Barnabas were officers before that Imposition of hands Acts. 13. 3. The posterity of Levi were Priests the Church that had powr to receive him into their fellowship hath also the same powr to cast him out that they have concerning any other member 7 Church-government or Rule is placed by Christ in the officers of the church who are therefore called Rulers while they rule with God yet in case of mal-administration they are subject to the power of the church according as hath been said before the Holy Ghost frequently yea alwayes where it mentioneth Church-Rule church-government ascribeth it to Elders wheras the work duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders submiting themselves unto them in the Lord so as it is manifest that an organick or compleat church is a body politick consisting of some that are Governors some that are governed in the Lord 8 The powr which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed rule the church of God accordingly to call the church together upon any weighty occasion when the members so called without just cause may not refuse to come nor when they are come depart before they are dismissed nor speak in the church before they have leave from the elders nor continue so doing when they require silence nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgment or sentence of the Elders without sufficient weighty cause becaus such practices are manifestly contrary unto
〈◊〉 extant in the Scriptâ—… 〈◊〉 whâ—… wâ—… 〈◊〉 wâ—… to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may suffice hear it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thâ—… of may be gathered from just 〈◊〉 of Scripture 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ase 〈◊〉 for ought wee know wâ—…thout ex 〈◊〉 wâ—…ch he gâ—…e 〈◊〉 4 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ans to 2 Qu C 14. Nuâ—… 16. If any faith he wronged with unjâ—…st vexation or providing for his own 〈◊〉 or in testâ—…ony against sinÌ„ depart from a church where some evills are tollerated joyn himself to another more pâ—…re yet without coÌ„demning of the chuâ—…ch he lâ—…veth he is not therfore to be hâ—…ld as a schismatick or as guilty of any other sinn Wheâ—…e the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the 〈◊〉 Docter putteth declareth the lawfâ—…llness of the depâ—…ture of a Church-meâ—…er from his church when eâ—…ther through wâ—… 〈◊〉 of unjust vexation or 〈◊〉 way of prâ—…sion for hâ—…s own edification or in testâ—…ny 〈◊〉 sinn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 coâ—…gtion moâ—…e reformed Any one â—…f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 câ—…use of deâ—…re Though all of them do not concurr together Neither will such a practise dispoyle the best Mâ—…nisters of the pâ—… she s of theâ—… best heâ—…ers For 1 Somtimes the Mâ—…sters themselves are willing to joyn with their better sort of hearers in this way of reformation then they their hâ—…rers contâ—…nue stil their Châ—…ch relatiâ—… together yeâ—… confirmâ—…t mo 〈◊〉 strongly by an express reâ—…ewed covenant thâ—…h the Ministers may still continue their wâ—…ted preâ—…ching to the wâ—…le pâ—…sh 2 If the Mâ—…ster dâ—… 〈◊〉 the way of those wâ—…om they otherwise 〈◊〉 their best meâ—…bers so refuse to joyn with them therin yet â—…f those members can procuâ—…e sâ—…e other Miâ—…ster to joyn with them in their owâ—… way stâ—…ll 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the same town they may easily order the times of the 〈◊〉 assembly as to attend constantly upon the 〈◊〉 of their former Church either after or before the publick assembly of the parish take an opportunity to gather together for tâ—…e 〈◊〉 of SacrameÌ„ts Censureâ—… other church ordinances amongst themselves The fiâ—…st Apostolick 〈◊〉 assembled to hear the word with the Jewish church in the open courts of the Temple but 〈◊〉 gathered together for 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 other acts of church-church-order from house to house 3 Suppose Preâ—…byteriall churches should coÌ„municate soâ—…e of their best gifted members toward the erecting gathering of another 〈◊〉 â—…t would not forthwith be their detriment but may be their 〈◊〉 It is the most noble perfect work of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 botâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…gate multiply his kindâ—… tâ—… tâ—…e honour of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…t to set forward the worâ—… of Châ—…st 〈◊〉 well 〈◊〉 as at home The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 8â—… 8. to help forwâ—…rd heâ—… little â—…-church wâ—… 〈◊〉 tâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…th heâ—… châ—…yse-materiall even beâ—…es of Cedâ—…r such pretioâ—… living 〈◊〉 â—…s weeâ—… fit to build a Silver pallâ—…ce In the same book the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 compâ—…ed someâ—…e to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to an orchard Cant 4. 1â—… 13. No 〈◊〉 plant to a garden or orchard but seeketh to get the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plant of his neighbours they freely impâ—…rt them nor doe they accouÌ„tâ—…t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to their garden orchards but ratâ—… 〈◊〉 Nevertheless wee go not so farr we neâ—…ther seek nor â—…alk the choyse-members of the parishes but accept them being offered If it be saâ—… â—…hey are not offered by the Mâ—…nisters nor by the parâ—…sh churcâ—…s who have most right in them but only by themselves It may jâ—…stly be demaâ—…nded what right or what powr have either the ministers or parish church over them Not by solemn church covenâ—…nt for that though it be the fiâ—…est engagement is not owned but rejected If it be by Their joyning with the parish in the calling election of a minister to such a congregation at his first comming there is indeed just weight in such an ingagement nor doe wee judge it safe for such to remove from such a minister unless it be upon such grounds as may justly give him due satisfactioÌ„ But if the unioÌ„ of such members to a parish Church to the ministery therof be only by cohabitation within the precincts of the parish that union as it was founded upoÌ„ humane law so by humane law it may easily be released Or otherwise if a man remove his habitation he removeth also the bond of his relation the ground of offence 4 It need not to be feared that all best hearers of the best ministers no nor the most of them will depart from them upon point of church-governmeÌ„t Those who have found the presence powr of the spirit of Christ breathing in their ministers either to their conversion or edification will be slow to change such a ministery of faith holyness for the liberty of church-order Upon which ground sundry other such like their be doubtless sundry godly judicious hearers in many parishes in England that doe will prefer their relation to their ministers though in a presbyteriall way above the Congregâ—…tionall confoederation 5 But if all or the most part of the best hearers of the best ministers of parishes should depart from them as preferring in their judgments the congregationall way yet in case the congregationall way should prove to be of Christ it will never greiv the holy hearts of godly ministers that their hearers should follow after Christ yea many of themselves upon due deliberation will be reaedy to go along with them It never greived nor troubled John Baptist that his best disciples departed from him to follow after Christ Joh. 3. But in case the congregationall way should prove to be not the institution of Christ as wee take it but the inveÌ„tion of men then doubtless the presbyteriall form if it be of God will swallow up the otherâ—… as Moses rod devoured the rods of the Aegyptians Nor will this put a necessity upon both the opposite partyes to shâ—…ft for themselves to seek to supplant one another but only it will call upon them {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} to seek to follow the trueth in love to attend in faithfullness each uÌ„to his own flock to administer to theâ—… all the holy things of God their port oÌ„ of food in due season as for others quietly to forbear them yet to instruct them with meekness that are contrary minded leaving it to Christ in the use of all good meanes to reveal his own trueth in his own time mean while endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace 〈◊〉 p. 3. 15 16. Ephesians 4. 3. To the 2 Exception That wee take no coâ—…rse for the gayning healing 〈◊〉 in of ignorant erronious scandalâ—…s persoÌ„s whom wee refuse to receive into our churches so exclude them from the reÌ„midy of church 〈◊〉 Wee conceive the
receiving of them into oâ—…r 〈◊〉 wâ—…d â—…ather loose 〈◊〉 corâ—…pt our Churches â—…hen gain heale theâ—… A little 〈◊〉 layed in a lump of dough will sooner leâ—…n the whole lump then the whole lâ—…mp wâ—…ll swâ—…eten iâ—… Wee therefore find it safer to squâ—…re rough unhew 〈◊〉 befâ—…e he â—…e layed n o the builâ—…ing rathâ—…r then â—…o hâ—…nimer hew theâ—… â—…hen â—…hey lye â—…renly â—…n the buildâ—…ng And accordingly wâ—… meanes wâ—…e uâ—…e yâ—… 〈◊〉 such â—…s are ignoraÌ„t or scandalous 1 The publick minâ—…stery of the wâ—… â—…pon wâ—…ch they are invitedly counsel required by wholsome lâ—…wes 〈◊〉 Aâ—… the word it is whâ—…ch is the powr of God to salvation to the calling 〈◊〉 â—…f souâ—… 2 Pâ—…ivate conferrâ—…nce conviction by the Elders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…f 〈◊〉 church whom they doe the â—…ore respectively hearkâ—…n unto whâ—…n they see no 〈◊〉 â—…f enjoying church-fellowship or participation in the Sacraments for 〈◊〉 or their 〈◊〉 till they approve their judgments to be sound orâ—…hodox thâ—… lives â—…ubdued to some hope of a godly 〈◊〉 Whâ—…t can Classical 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 selfe do more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 case The 3 Exception wrappâ—…th up in â—…t a three fold domestical inconvenience each oâ—… them meet to be eschewed 1 Disunion in families between each relâ—…tion 2 Dâ—…sappointmeÌ„t of 〈◊〉 for want of opportunity in the governours of familyes to take accouÌ„t of thâ—… heard by theâ—…r children servants 3 Disoursments of chargeable maintenance to the several churches wherto the 〈◊〉 persons of their familyes are joyned All which inconveniences either do noâ—… fall out in congregationall-churchâ—… or are easily redressed For none are oâ—…derly admitted into congregational-churches buâ—… such as are well approved by good testimony to be duly observant of familyrelations Or if any otherwise disposed should creep in they are either ordeâ—…ly healâ—… or dâ—…ly removed in a way of 〈◊〉 Nor are they admitted unlâ—…ss they can gâ—…e some good account of their prâ—…iting by 〈◊〉 â—…fore the Elders brethren of the church much more to their 〈◊〉 masters Godly Tutors in the university can tâ—…ke an account of their pupils godly 〈◊〉 in the Câ—…ty can take account â—…f their children servants how they profit by the woâ—…d they have heard in several churches that to the greater edâ—…fication of the whole fâ—…mily â—…y the variety of such administrations Bees may bring the more hony wax into the hive when they are not lâ—…mited to one garden of flowers but may fly abroad to manâ—… Noâ—…â—…s any châ—…rge expected from 〈◊〉 children or servants to the 〈◊〉 of congregationall churches 〈◊〉 her thâ—…n they â—…e 〈◊〉 wâ—…h personall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whâ—…h may enable thâ—… to 〈◊〉 of suâ—…h 〈◊〉 as they haâ—…e 〈◊〉 Such as they have not God accepteth not Robbery for a sacrificâ—… And though a godly housholder may jâ—…stly take himselfe bound in conscience to crâ—…tybute to any such Church wherto 〈◊〉 wife or children or servants doe stand in relation yet that will not aggrâ—…ate the burden of his charge no more then if they were received members of the same Church wherto himself is related But why doe wee stand thus long to plead exemptions from exceptions the Lord help all his faithfull servants wheâ—…her presbyteriall or congregational to judg shame our selves before the Lord for all our former complyances to greater enormityâ—… in Church-government then are to be found either in the congregationall or presbyteriall way And then surely either the Lord will cleare up his own will to us so frame subdue us all to one mind one way Ezck. 43. 10 11. or else wee shall learn to beare one anothers burdens in a spirit of meekness It will then doubtless be farr from us so to attest the discipline of Christ as to detest the disciples of Christ so to contend for the seameless coat of Christ as to crucifiâ—… the living members of Christ soe to divide our selves about Church communion as through breaches to open a wide gap for a deluge of Antichristian prophane malignity to swallow up both Church civil statâ—… What shall wee say more is difference about church-Church-order becoâ—… the inlett of all the disorders in the kingdom hath the Lord indeed left us to such hardness of heart that Church-government shall becom a snare to Zâ—…on as somtimes Moses was tâ—… Aegypt Exod. 10. 7. that wee cannot leave 〈◊〉 contending about it till the kingdom be destroyed did not the Lord Iesus when he dedicated his sufferings for his church 〈◊〉 his also unto his Father make it his earnest only pâ—…ayer for us in this world that wee all might be one in him Iohn 17. 20 21 22 23. And is it possible that he whom the Father â—…eard alwayâ—… Iohn 11. 42. should not have this last most solemn prayer heard graunted or shall it be graunted for all the saints elsewhere not for the saints in England so that amongst them disunion shâ—…ll grow even about Church-union communion If it be possible for a little faith so much as a grain of mustardseâ—…d to remove a mountaine is it not possible for so much strength of faith as is to be found in all the godly in the kingdom 〈◊〉 remove those Images of jealousie to cast those stumbling-blockes out of the way which may hinder the free passage of brotherly love amongst brethren It is true indeed the National covenant doth justly engage both partyes faithfully to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Antichristin Hierarchy much more of all Blasphemyes Heresies damnable errours Certainly if congregational discipline be Independent from the inventions of men is it not much more Independent from the delusions of Satan what fellowship hath Christ with Belial light with darkness trueth with errour the faithfull Iewes needed not the help of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…y the Temple of God yea they rejected their help when it wâ—… offered 〈◊〉 4. the 1 2 3. Aâ—…d if the congregationall wâ—…y be a way of trueth as wee believe if the brethren that walk in it be zealous of the trueth hate every false way as by the rule of their hoâ—…y discipline they are instructed 2 Iohn 10 11. then verily there is no branch in the Nationall covenâ—… that engageth the covenanters to abhâ—…re either Congregationall Churches or their way which being duely adminstred doe no less effectually extirpate the Aâ—…christian Hierarchy all Blasphemies Heresyes perniâ—…ous errours then the other way of discipline doeth which is more generally publickly received ratifyed But the Lord Iesus 〈◊〉 with â—…ll ouâ—… hâ—…ts in â—…ret â—…e 〈◊〉 is the King of his Châ—…ch let him â—…e pleâ—… to excerâ—…ise his Kingly powr in our spirites thâ—…t so his kâ—…ngdome may come into our Churches in Pâ—…rity Peace Amen Amen CHAPTER I. Of the form of Church-Government and that it is one immutable and prescribed in the Word of God 1
Testament which gave no being unto the church the church being before it in the wilderne without it seals presuppose a covenant already in being one person is a compleat subiect of Baptism but one person is uncapable of being a church 6 All believers ought as God giveth them opportunity there unto to endeavour to joyn themselves unto a particular church that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ in his example Institution by the professed acknowledgment of subiection unto the order ordinances of the Gospel as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union containd in the promises of Christs special presence in the thurch whence they have fellowship with him in him one with another also for the keeping of them in the way of Gods commandmâ—…nts recovering of them in case of wandring which all Christs sheep are subiect to in this life being unable to returne of themselves together with the benefit of their mutual edification and of their posterity thâ—…t they may not be â—…ut of from tâ—…e priviledges of the covenanâ—… otherwis if a believer offends he remaines destitute of the remedy proviâ—…ed in that behalf should all believers neglect this duty of â—…yning to all particular congregations it might follow therupon that 〈◊〉 should hâ—…ve no visible political câ—…rches upon earth CHAP V. Of the first subject of church powr or to whom church powr doth first 〈◊〉 THe first subject of church powr is eyther Supream or Subordinat Ministerial the Supream by way of gift from the father is the Lord Iesus Christ the Ministerial is either extraordinary as the Apostles Prophets Evangilists or Ordinary as every particular Congregational church 2 Ordinary church powr is either the power of office that is such as is proper to the eldership or power of priviledge such as be longs unto the brotherhood the latter is in the brethren formally immediately from Christ that is so as it may according to order be acted or excercised immediately by themselves the former is not in them formâ—…lly or immediately therfore cannot be acted or excercised immediately by them but is said to be in them in that they design the persons unto office who only are to act or to excercise this power CHAP VI Of the Officers of the Church especially of Pastors Teachers A Church being a company of people combined together by covenant for the worship of God it appeareth therby that there may be the 〈◊〉 being of a church without any officers seeing there is botâ—… 〈◊〉 and matter of a church which is implyed when it iâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ordained elders in 〈◊〉 â—…urch 2 〈◊〉 though 〈◊〉 be not 〈◊〉 necessâ—…ry to the simple being of churches when thâ—…y be 〈◊〉 yet ordinarily to their calling they are and to their well being and therfore the Lord Iesus out of his tender compassion hath appointed and ordained officers which he would not have done if they had not been usefull need full for the church yea being Ascended into heaven he received gifts for men and gave gifts to men whereof officers for the church are Justly accounted no small parts they being to continue to the end of the world and for the perfecting of all the Saints 3 These officers were either extraordinary or ordinary extraordinary as Apostles Prphets Evangilists ordinary as Elders 〈◊〉 The Apostles Prophets Evangelists as they were called extraordinarily by Christ so their office ended with themselves whence it is that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations Giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostles Propheâ—… or Evangeâ—…sts but only of Elders Deacons when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Epheâ—…s he commited the care of feeding the church to â—…o ther but unto the Elders of that church The like câ—…rge doth 〈◊〉 commit to the Elders 4 Of 〈◊〉 who are also in Scripture called â—…shops Some attend chiefly to the ministry of the word Aâ—… the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teachers Others attend especially unto Râ—…le who are therfore called Rulâ—…ng Elders 5 The office of Pastor Teacher appears to be distinct The Pastors special work is to attend to exhâ—…tation therein to Administer a word of Wisdom the Teacher is to attend to Dâ—…mo therein to Administer a word of Knowledg either of them to administer the Seales of that Covenant unto the dispensation wherof the are alike called as also to execute the Censuâ—…e being but a kind of application of the word the preaching of which together with the application therof they are alike charged withall 6 And for as much as both Pastors Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints edifying of his body which Saints body of Christ is his church Therfore wee account Pastors Teacher to be both of them church-officers not the Pastor for the church the Teacher only for the Schools Though this wee gladly acknowledg that Schoole are both lawfull profitable necessary for the trayning up of such in good Litrature or learning as may afterwards be called forth unto office of Pastor or Teacher in the church CHAP VII Of Ruling Elders Deacons THe Ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of Pastor Teacher The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors Teachers from Ruling because Ruling Governâ—…ng is common to these with the other wheras attending to teach and preach the word is peculiar unto the former 2 The Ruling Eâ—…er work is to joyn with the Pastor Teacher in those acts of spiritual Rubc which are distinct from the ministry of the word Sacraments committed to them of which sort these be as followeth 1 to open shutâ—… the dores of Gods house by the Admission of members approved by the church by Ordination of officers chosen by the church by excommunication of notorious obstinate offenders renounced by the church by restoring of poenitents forgiveÌ„ by the church II To call the church together when there is occasion seasonably to dismiss them agayn III To prepare matters in private that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble more speedy dispatch IV To moderate the carriage of all matter in the church assembled as to propound matters to the church to Order the season of speech silence to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ with the consent of the church V To be Guides leaders to the church in all matters what-soever pertaining to church administrations actions VI To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank place without a calling or Idlely in their calling VII To prevent heal such offences in life or in doctrin as might corrupt the
wheras persons are of better abilityes there it is most expedient that they make their relations confessions personally with their own mouth as David professeth of himselfe 5 A personall publick confession declaring of Gods manner of working upon the soul is both lawfull expedient usefull in sundry respects upon sundry grounds Those three thousands Acts. 2. 37. 41. Before they were admitted by the Apostles did manifest that they were pricked in their hearts at Peters sermon together with earnest desire to be delivered from their sinns which now wounded their consciences their ready receiving of the word of promise and exhortation Wee are to be ready to â—…der a reason of the hope that is in us to every one that asketh us thâ—…fore wee must be able and ready upon any occasion to declare shew our repentance for sinn faith unfamed effectuall calling because these are the reason of a well grounded hope I have not hidden thy righteousness from the great congregation Psal 40. 10. 6 This profession of faith repentance as it must be made by such at their admission that were never in Church-society before so nothing hindreth but the same way also be performed by such as have formerly been members of some other church the church to which they now joyn themselves as members may lawfully require the same Those three thousand Acts. 2. which made their confession were meÌ„bers of the church of the Jewes before so were they that were baptised by John Churches may err in their admission persons regularly admitted may fall into offence Otherwise if Churches might obtrude their members or if church-members might obtrude themselves upon other churches without due tryall the matter so requiring both the liberty of churches would hereby be infringed in that they might not examine those concerning whose fitness for communion they were unsatisfied besides the infringing of their liberty the churches themselves would uÌ„avoidably be corrupted the ordinances defiled whilst they might not refuse but must receive the unworthy which is contrary unto the Scripture teaching that all churches are sisters therfore equall 7 The like tryall is to be required from such members of the church as were born in the same or received their membership were baptized in their infancy or minority by vertue of the covenaÌ„t of their parents when being grown up unto yeares of discretion they shall desire to be made partakers of the Lords supper unto which because holy things must not be given unto the unworthy therfore it is requisit that these as well as others should come to their tryall examiÌ„ation manifest their faith repentance by an open profession therof before they are received to the Lords supper otherwise not to be be admitted there unto Yet these Church-members that were so born or received in their childhood before they are capable of being made partakes of fall coÌ„munion have many priviledges which others not church-meÌ„bers haâ—…not they are in covenant with God have the seale therof upon thâ—… 〈◊〉 Baptisme so if not regenerated yet are in a more hopefull way of attayning regenerating grace all the spiritual blessings both of the covenaÌ„t seal they are also under Câ—…rch-watch consequently subject to the reprehensions ad nonâ—…tions censures therof for their healing and amendment as need shâ—…ll require CHAP XIII Of Church-members their removall from one Church to another of letters of recoÌ„mendation dismission CHurch-members may not remove or depart from the Church so one from another as they please nor without just weighty cause but ought to live dwell together for as much as they are coÌ„manded not to forsake the assembling of themselves together Such departure tends to the dissolution ruine of the body as the pulling of stones peâ—…ces of timber from the building of members from the naturall body tend to the destruction of the whole 2 It is theÌ„rfore the duty of Church-members in such times places when counsell may be had to consult with the Church wherof they are meÌ„mbers about their removall that accordingly they having their approbation may be incouraged or otherwise desist They who are joyned with consent should not depart without consent except forced therunto 3 If a members departure be manifestly unsafe and sinfull the church may not consent therunto for in so doing they should not act in saith should pertake with him in his sinn If the case be doubtfull the person not to be perswaded it seemeth best to leave the matter unto God not forcibly to detayn him 4 Just reasoÌ„s for a meÌ„bers removall of himselfe from the church are I If a man caÌ„not continue without partakig in sinn II In case of personall persecution so Paul departed from the desciples at Damascus Also in case of generall persecution when all are scattered III In case of real not only pretended want of competent subsistence a door being opened for better supply in another place together with the meanes of spirituall edification In these or like cases a member may lawfully remove the church cannot lawfully detayne him 5 To seperate from a Church eyther out of contempt of their holy fellowship or out of 〈◊〉 or for greater inlargements with just greife to the church or out of 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of a spirit of 〈◊〉 in respect of some unkindness or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only conceiâ—…ed or indeed in the Church which might should be tolèrated heared with a spirit of meekness of which evill the church is not yet coÌ„vinced though perhaps himselfe bee nor admonished for these or like reasons to withdraw from publick coÌ„munion in word or seales or censures is unlawfull sinfull 6 Such members as have orderly removed their habitation ought to joyn themselves unto the church in order where they doe inhabit if it may bee otherwise they can neyther perform the dutyes nor receive the priviledges of members such an example tolerated in some is apt to corrupt others which if many should follow would threaten the dissolution confusion of churches contrary to the Scripture 7 Order requires that a member thus removing have letters testimoniaâ—… of 〈◊〉 from the church wherof he yet is unto the church wherunto he desireth to be joyned lest the church shâ—…uld be deluded that the church may receive him in faith not be corrupted by receiving deceivers false brethren Untill the person dismissed be received into another church he ceaseth â—…ot by his letters of dismission to be a member of the church wherof he was The church canÌ„ot make a member no member but by excoÌ„munication 8 If a member be called to remove only for a time where a Church is letters of Recommendation are requisite sufficient for coÌ„munion with that church in the
place that the unworthy may be duely proceeded against by the Church to whom this matter doth appertaine CHAP XV Of the coÌ„munion of Churches one with another ALthough Churches be distinct therfore may not be confouÌ„ded one with another equall therfore have not dominion one over another yet all the churches ought to preserve Church-communion one with another because they are all united unto Christ not only as a mysticall but as a politicall head whence is derived a communion suitable therunto 2 The communion of Churches is exercised sundry wayes I By way of mutuall care in taking thought for one anothers wellfare II By way of Consultation one with another when wee have occasion to require the judgment counsell of other churches touching any person or cause wherwith they may be better acquainted then our selves As the church of Antioch consulted with the Apostles Elders of the church at Ierusalem about the question of circumcision of the gentiles about the false teachers that broached that doctrine In which case when any Church wanteth light or peace amongst themselves it is a way of communion of churches according to the word to meet tâ—…ether by their Elders other messengers in a synod to consider argue the points in doubt or dâ—…fference haveing found out the way of truth peace to commend the same by their letters messengers to the churches whom the same may concern But if a Church be rent with divisions amongst themselves or ly under any open scandal yet refuse to consult with other churches for healing or removing of the same it is a matter of just offence both to the Lord Jesus to other churches as bewraying too much want of mercy faithfulness not to seek to bind up the breaches wounds of the church brethren therfore the state of such a church calleth aloud upon other churches to excercise a fuller act of brotherly communion to witt by way of admonition III A third way then of coÌ„munion of churches is by way of admonition to witt in case any publick offeÌ„ce be found in a church which they either discern not or are slow in proceeding to use the meaÌ„es for the removing healing of Paul had no authority over Peter yet when he saw Peter not walking with a right foot he publickly rebuked him before the church though churches have no more authority one over another then one Apostle had over another yet as one Apostle might admonish another so may one church admonish another yet without usurpation In which case if the church that lyeth under offence do not harken to the church which doth admonish her the church is to aquait other neighbour-churches with that offeÌ„ce which the offending church still lyeth under together with their neglect of the brotherly admonition given unto them wherupon those other churches are to joyn in seconding the admonitioÌ„ formerly giveÌ„ and if still the offeÌ„ding church continue in obstinacy impenitency they may forbear communion with them are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod or counsell of neighbour-churches walkig orderly if a greater canÌ„ot convenieÌ„tly be had for their conviction If they hear not the Synod the Synod having declared them to be obstinate particular churches approving accepting of the judgmeÌ„t of the Synod are to declare the sentence of non-coÌ„munion respectively concerning them therupon out of a religious care to keep their own communion pure they may justly withdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lords table from such other acts of holy coÌ„mâ—…ion as the communion of churches doth otherwise allow require Nevertheless if any members of such a church as lyeth under publick offence doâ—… not consent to the offence of the church but doe in due sort beare witness against it they are still to be received to wonted communion for it is not equall that the inâ—…cent should suffer with the offensive Yea furthermore if such innocent members after due wayting in the use of all good meanes for the healing of the offence of their â—…wn church shall at last with the allowaÌ„ce of the counsel of ne ghâ—…our-churches withdraw from the fellowship of their own châ—…ch 〈◊〉 offer themselves to the fellowship of another wee judge it lawll for the other church to receive them being otherwise fitt as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own churcâ—… IV A fourth way of communion of churches is by way of participâ—…n the members of one church occasionâ—…lly comming unto another wee willingly admitt tâ—…em to 〈◊〉 with us at the Lords tâ—…le it being the seale of our communion not only with Christ nor oâ—…ly with the members of our own church but also with all the churches of the saints in which regard wee refuse not to baptize their children presented to us if either their own minister be absent or such a fruite of holy fellowshâ—…p be desired with us In like case sâ—…ch churches as are furnished with more ministers then one doe willingly afford one of their own ministers to supply the place of an absent or sâ—…ck minister of another church for a needfull season V A fifth way of Church-communion is by way of â—…mendation when a member of one church hath occasion to reside in another church if but for a season wee coÌ„mend him to their watchfâ—…ll ffellowshâ—…p by letters of recommendation but if he be 〈◊〉 to settle his abode there wee commit him according to hâ—…s desire to the ffellowship of their covenant by letters of dâ—…smission VI A sixt way of Church-communion is in case of Neâ—… to minister reliefe succour one unto another 〈◊〉 of able members to furnish them with officers or of outward â—…pport to the necessityes of poorer churches as did the 〈◊〉 of the Gentiles contribute liberally to the poor sâ—…ints at Ierusalem 3 When a compaÌ„y of beleivers purpose to gather into church fellowship it is requisite for their saâ—…er proceeding the maintaining of the communion of churches that they signâ—…fie their intent unto the neighbour-churches walking according unto the order of the Gospel desire their presence help right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them when their is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings 4 Besides these severall wayes of communion there is also a way of propagation of churches when a church shall grow too numerous it is a way fitt season to propagate one Church out of an other by sending forth such of their meÌ„bers as are willing to remove to procure some officers to them as may enter with them into church-estate amongst themselves as Bees when the hive is too full issue forth by swarmes are gathered into other hives soe the Churches of Christ may doe the same upon like necessity therin hold forth
order government in-lets of disturbance tend to confusion 9 It belongs also unto the Elders to examine any officers or members before they be received of the church to receive the accusations brought to the Church to prepare them for the churches hearing In handling of offences other matters before the Church they have powr to declare publish the Counsell will of God touching the same to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church Lastly they have powr when they dismiss the people to bless them in the name of the Lord 10 This powr of Government in the Elders doth not any wise prejudice the powr of priviledg in the brotherhood as neither the powr of priviledg in the brethren doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders but they may sweetly agree together as wee may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest church-powr who took in the concurrence consent of the brethren in church-administrations Also that Scripture 2 Cor 2. 9. chap 10 6. doe declare that what the churches were to act doe in these matters they were to doe in a way of obedience that not only to the direction of the Apostles but also of their ordinary Elders 11 From the premisses namely that the ordinary powr of Government belonging only to the elders powr of priviledg remaineth with the brotherhood as powr of judgment in masters of censure powr of liberty in matters of liberty It followeth that in an organick Church right administration all church acts proceed after the manner of a mixt administration so as no church act can be consummated or perfected without the consent of both CHAP XI Of the maintenance of Church Officers THe Apostle concludes that necessary sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word from the law of nature nations from the law of Moses the equity thereof as also the rule of common reason moreover the scripture doth not only call Elders labourers workmen but also speaking o◅ them doth say that the labourer is worthy of his hire requires that he which is taught in the word should communicate to him in all good things mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel forbideth the muzl◅ng of the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn 2 The Scriptures alledged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty du◅◅eci not as a matter of almes free gift therefore people are not at liberty to doe or not to doe what when they pleas in this matter no more then in any other commanded duty ordinance of the Lord but ought of duty to minister of their ca◅ail ◅ngs to them that labour amongst them in the word doctrine as well as they ought to pay any other work men their wages or to discharge satisfie their other debts or to submit themselves to observe any other ordinance of the Lord 3 The Apostle Gal 6 6. injoyning that he which is taught communicate to him that teacheth ◅ad good things doth not leave it arbitrary what or how much a man shall give or in what prop◅on but even the later as well as the former is prescribed appointed by the Lord 4 Not only members of Churches but all that are taught in in the word are to contribute unto him that teacheth in all good things In case that Congregations are defective in their contributions the Deacons are to call upon them to doe their duty if their call sufficeth not the church by her powr is to require it of their members where church-powr through the corruption of men doth not or can̄ot attaine the end the Magistrate is to see ministry be duely provided for as appeares from the commended example of Nehemiah The Magistrates are nursing fathers nursing mothers stand charged with the custody of both Tables because it is better to prevent a scandal that it may not come easier also then to remove it when it is given It s most suitable to Rule that by the churches care each man should know his proportion according to rule what he should doe before he doe it that so his iudgment heart may be satisfied in what he doeth just offence prevented in what is done CHAP XII Of Admission of members into the Church THe doors of the Churches of Christ upon earth doe not by Gods appointment stand so wide open that all sorts of people good or bad may freely enter therein at their pleasure but such as are admitted therto as members ought to be examined tryed first whether they be fit meet to be received into church-society or not The Evnuch of Aethiopia before his admission was examined by Philip whether he did beleive on Jesus Christ with all his heart the Auged of the church at Ephesus is commended for trying such as said they were Apostles were not There is like reason for trying of them that profess themselves to be beleivers The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church therfore are in a special man̄er to make try all of the fitnes of such who enter Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Tem ple lest such as were Ceremonially unclean should enter therinto 2 The things which are requisite to be found in all church members are Repentance from sin saith in Jesus Christ And therfore these are the things wherof men are to be examined at their admission into the church which then they must profess hold forth in such sort as may satisfie rationall charity that the things are there indeed Iohn Baptist admitted men to Baptism confessing bewayling their sinns of other it is said that they came confessed shewed their deeds 3 The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in t◅ose that desire to be admitted into the church becaus weak christians if sincere have the substance of that faith repentance holiness which is required in church members such have most need of the ordinances for their confirmation growth in grace The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoaking flax nor breake the bruised reed but gather the tender lambes in his arms carry them gently in his bosome Such charity tenderness is to be used as the weakest christian if sincere may not be excluded nor discouraged Severity of examination is to be avoyded 4 In case any through excessive fear or other infirmity be unable to make their personal relation of their spirituall estate in publick it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfaction make relation therof in publick before the church they testifying their assents therunto this being the way that tendeth most to edification But