COLLECTION OF PURITAN AND ENGLISH THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE $ LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY ^/c^gO y/y^ Bound by ^AVIDGE & KrIMMEL % 232-34 N. 15th ST. I PHILADELPHIA 2, PA. j jT IT 171 .••>, J f^^ «.^; to te -If rv It ,;.¥^ i>cf: •Och ' : bv otn-^ Ot A i\.l. i.X\\.l.. •»- »^ r /> .* « V £>- > the Sctlptnre ri^ \S. el ves •^ f«:^ <^ ^'Ih^Ai^t^ > i , iJ.'.ji ■J God bath n: we have no extra- 1 .-^rsH Cfv it' JiJ IDtt h h Oiir \ K^3 JK L-U: / bnV'^ arrini^ar .vhich fher lution often to Br-? 7 or the Lo':'(\^ ^n ' for 1 1 rh- ^' • t mmm wmm i V v.> •>-■ D^xipUncj, the A.:c of Perfom- to be admirted to th. „ .'^bich are to be dkermiaed by Moral Rule. ;'.. Many tbmgs that arecommaaded In Church Affair piopei conK^quenctjs of yT/oral Rules: And fo don't need an in- ■ ftitution : There be mznf tfAng^ occalloaaUy commanded • Which do niDt properly belong to Divine iQttkutionii^ that are not Branches of , the {econcl Commandment, but proper deduf^tori from A/oral Ruks ; So that about Reconciliation to an offended Brother, Matt- •: i^ ^ For Cbrijl d'idmt nommakc ?;.• jcwlfh injlituttons : So that private deaiiag vvith an ofTeaaing Brother, A/^trf? ■ ;■ ;6. ;:»o thoff: Rules, 1 Tfw. 7, J9» i Cor. u. 28. And mar-y c: plain Movai Duties. 3. />^oral Rules m«;0: be atteo^ded in Church' Afi^lrs as wel^ other ihings; Rules tor doi.r!g things that are for Peace, 1. and for the good of our Neigh bf>*i-s, bind Ecclefiaicicai ca well as in Cml and Dornellical : Therefore they are^Genera pounded, fhiL 4. 8, Te;? ; l^ere i.f more weight; to he laid on thcn^ m injlittii-ions^ Mar. _. _,,. vVe man: never A-^^c contrary D- Rules j Churches are bound to MoxzS. Fiules, as well as other So... ties ; 'We have no liberty in the AdminiP'ri^*^^ -^f ^^^ -^^ossof '^'^ds Houfe to break /j^'oral Rules. .:.. Old Teilament inftitutions c- Agre:it par. v. Ui iaftitations are abolilhed : AH typical Laws are out of Date ; But Ibrne hiftitutions that were in force then are in farce now : Thus; Church Societies^ the Preaching of the Word, Fafts, Thankfgiv- ings, are to be attended fiilL Confider, I . They and we are under the fame Gofpel, cnerc was the fame way of Salvation then as now, they were under a Covr c^ Grace and Saved by Chrifl as well as we 5 Heh, 4. 2,. Hence cnerc ' feveral things common to thera and us • Hence the People of G under the Old and New Teflament mti^il be fuchashavc a- Union to Chrift \ they and we mull ha.ve figns reprefentingChri-v I Cor. 10. 3, 4. z. The Mature of 2 Church is the fame under both T A Church is not. one kind of thing in the Q>\^, TUta^- nd -cino- ther in the Nev/ : But it has the fam £ elTenoe. and •. matter of the Church and the form is the (ame - The Church tiieii ik)od in the fame relation to God, was appointed ior rorrjm^n^r.T with God, and enjoyed his prefence as now. 3. There were lever al Ordinances in the jewiHi Church, that- h-^ no partlcalar reference to the tim.es before Chrift; or ro any .c ,1 cular condition tSf that People : And luch Ordinances iivni to be of B force *o- i •■ J.tf.ii»/ViVit, ; V 4 V foice fcill, as their, bavii . , Convocation^ £^2;. 23. 13. So aiuch of the woik of tne Pr._.. . they wore to teach the People, Dsut, 33:10. They were to blefs the People, Nwn,6.2^. So it was their manner h loicmn Prayer and BkfTmg to by cyi hands ; "So Excomiuii- cation, which is to continue in the ChrlllianChorch, AMth. 18. i-t. 4-. We arc- referred in fome cafes ^to thofe iaftitutions : God fends us to the Law for light, uirects us to do as was appointed in the Old Tetlament ; So about Wo ^ " :, not fpeaking in 'the Church/ ? Cor. 14, 34. So about the mauiteiiance ot Minilters, Gal. 6, 5. I Cor.^. 13, 14. 3. -JSlew Teftament IniCiCutions, there were fome inilitutions ap- -.ninted by Chriit v^lider the Gofpel^ tiiefe are few; priacipaliy, what Officers (hall be in the Church, fhi^ Sacraments of Ba^tifm^ ^nd ■■: Lords Sur 'ndthfifirft day Sahhatk. 1. Wc niuic difdngiufh^becv/een Temporal and Perpetnarinititw- ticijs ! Scmt inftitutlons we're only for a time, as the Office of the Apoftles . So the a'^mlntlng of the fid wHh Oyl^ Jam. 5.14. There are or'hers that are to continue to the en:il3nding Society, not depending on aqy occafiopial Meeting ; There - jfoie a Congregation that meet top^ether on a Lecture Day^ from fe- veral Towns to hear the Word Preached are not a Church, neither ^ave any Eccleikfticai Power/ Yea, a iynod' that meet .now and then occanonafly, though it may be called a reprefentatiye Church is not a Church properly ; the Members thereof are chofen for a pcrticuiar occafton : A Church doth joyn togechet according to Ghriils appointment -, Chrift has given a Ruk according to which they ought to joyn together, and if Men joyn in Wcrfhiping with a Church irregularly, that d^es not make them to be Members of that Church ,- If 4 man that lives in one Town where there is a Church, doih joyn conilantly in woribiping with another Church, that doth not mnke him a Member of that Church. Qiicil. f^f'ho utp. vijibk Sainvs ? ^■^nfiv^ This Queilion hath bsen matter of great debate, and an oc- callon of great contention in the Church ; we may not count tliofe only to be Saints, who after the (tncXefbExalniaation, giveconli- lerablc ':ividence that they are Saints : We have no fuch Psule, the practice of the A poftlejii in admitting Members into the C^iifrian ■rch, doth not Countenance any fuch Opinion, aeither are we to nake Baptized Ferfon^ and Vifibie Saints to be the fame ^ for Per- bus mi3il be Viiible Saints before they are Baptized •, and Ibme that ire Baptized, may ceafe^obe Vi ible Saints -, neither are chey only /ifible Saints, that make a profeiTion of the true R^ligici pyaed vith an Holy Converfjition t So'me Men may behave themfeives b as to deferve a fenteviceof Excommunication, 'and yet be Vifibic aints : Vifible Sainifbip ?.nd real Saintfbip, may confift with a great leal of iniquity in the Con /erfation for a rime. Vifibls Saints are fuch as make a ferious profefllon of the rue Religion, together with thof^ that do defcend from them, til? ^.j^Eicd ot God. > i . Such as do make a fenous profefllon of the true Religion, arc rifible Saints ; we hnd the Apoftles-did really accept of fuch, not waiting to fee^ what their Converfacion would be, J{f. id, 14, 1 5, 0 did 7c'fcw, Luk. 7. 29, 30, Such are to k accepted nntkout delay, Ifl. Their infant Sted are likewife Vifible Saints, God gm:'Jth;^i Tt^^imoay tor them, \ Cor, 7. M- • u Such pvn ■1. V" ■ x i;^ "nev moi-iu ca tion. r^-^'- they g^e rejeded by God' are ^-^ that'an . Jt)k Sji^its don^c ceafc to be fo^ -. offi So It waswich £hePo.«b^ri:y cf ^^r^;*^*^;?; ,. ■-;...;? or it they fhoald feUim ^ ^vsly^ yc. ui;.y areViiibl h rtjeded th-^mj ^Ui* ui^^re are two ways when' ain.y ji.wv, i.i.^ rcjeftr - ■ ' ^ them^ Or^ is when ifccy do depart n c ^"^ "ches of God to Heaihen or AnticbriflLan Societies, the otr^^r s?^ Wisea ihe Ff:opk that they belong uaio and iky - kh ^heoi are un- church vd by C : '. ild > ,0f f C H \ P. !II •f? &/ a C <^ f S a CinI Society doiu ..^nfift of oae Towo, oi ^.iurt ^ oy. u^^ _ _ ib aa inftkiTted Church is either Con|regadonaK ^"^'^ . whicn coniin-s of ^^ "^rs Goiigr^' -^' )ns. A Con. I Chi:irch h ^^ uiiurch rhai; *s bound by p^ e^ Oi ijoa lO aflcmbic ^ ' r m c -, ia a cc. w^ i'.y ^ Cekbt>5tion of hi^ r oral Cburch, is a Chorch coi ' read of, -/i^, :/*o. 7. i Cvf\ 14. la :j tom\ of a C'' C^ is, that they ar^ botiad ^y tr\si app^rfmcut ot . icT^ybie in one pitic*^ in ?* cORi^:ant way for rhr? C ? ; Worh nol s ( ^ /inai Ch;:^r , . .e^t or implicitc^ w"cr?- ih they bir.d the. estowalktc . er according fo the order of theGofpci ; ic i!i thcmght thai tli€ Children of //r4c/? Cry^^^x^rw^^^^ with God b a Foundatio;; for * -^^ whereas r^^i- CovTth.. . . . ,. i> is 20 ocfcer^ them whavall O ..,v....... do ma^w, ^vhr^ --^ey .,..^s^^ profeiBon of Faith act! Obcdierte ^ we nercr r^ u. I'dV Coretjant ^•'^"'^ ia the Syr' "^-^nes^ which A^iCwer gregatVon.% Wi*^.;r«i>y die Mc.u,,;;sof one 5 !■%■«'' iZ-i-' ., one to n^thilng el ^.i .t5 be e lb » i_ • 1! ' pk • -'tbotau 4. :' ^ ■' what ci,.- itut ; - free ithe i |f' to die Go neni Cii «.deTc' and tnoQiriit ;?, -^ei^ the; Lac^j uo- jj l, • :y bur sire i i.i.v^:. giihli ODc Church from aiiother^ aitcl to avv^ia --o.nuuoa ^i Cuurches, ............ ' -ch paitieJiari^OYf- •■ ^' -- ■ -'^ - luve ii ''- prccCUL for it, W€ have do ptcua^iiu lo: ii i wc r^aa oi lai ■ ■lal Ciliircbes but there is no SvUable in the ' timating arfy litch i^!n.g. -neither is there a;^y 5iem oi it. Tr. ' 3f a CoagregatiOn are bound to carry on the ^chcr^ this i^ Gods appoit^tin? iiat bis ^r -:chcr Ihoald carry on his Worllup cogctfter, the Cir , us. :it C or imb ii?c the Church of Corin^b^ i Cor, i.i. And the Chrifti- 'las at Ephrfiii are the Church of Ephefus ^ Order calls for it, that .vhere Men live, there they ioya together to carry on the Work of Gh. r a Chri.uiari live in a TowiTj where there is a Church, he lelybo'-'i^d to iovi with that Church *, and that Church is ■.'V c hira t I -f-'i^r; , I CiilSrCii ,:id give hio>. Ghriilian Privi ledges > * ... .re b'e feme cafes whereia there is need of humane pradeiice I'x '-^^ter miring how many Churches (ball be m fome Towns: Sorae i jwasarife to be nftxierous, fothat it is lit they ihould bejoynediii fevfral Societies : And fome are fo fniall and l^e fo near together^ rlidC it is fit that two or more fhordd make one Churchy' in fuch cafes Qr---^ -ppoliited that tfie bounds of Churches •; ' "(et either by peac r,reemc.^f^ *or by order from Authority, buv there is no ac e-^ery' fvleiiiber (hould Coveaaiit particularly with the Gtiant this particular Covenant to be the form of a C'horch, ' ilian may conuoi^^e a confiderabk time, without any r€i3tic?o to : ticahr Ch^irch, tho he lives where there is a Church : And then a U.i<^ may bea Member of the Church of Corinth for ie- veci yejirs together^ and live "all that while m Comniunioa v»rith the Church at "jcrufal^in \ a Covenant which he lives m the coatirx'ual breach of, makes a Member at Corimh^ aad viccording to forne, '^vjcihlm zi rierbt to all Ordinaaccs • Gr^at this particubr Cove- nwi and we Ihall t>e to leek, what <■ hurcii jnany Children do belong t.^ the father is in Covenaat with one Church, the -Mother with aao- ... 5 the Child 'vvas Bipdzed ia a ihird and lives ia a fourth .- This .. citrine of the particular Covenant which is wholly nnicripturr-il, is ivtc reav^a that mmj among us are (hal out, of t^ y->U 1 / ■ belong. M Tl '%y 14 A P r't ^' .f \ -f em H E gr€at Pri?iisdge of Cong-.. ^...-... ..^. X ^bcir own Officers, tli€|' h3ve\4ibcrty f^^ God toclioofe iuteable FerfonstCOiEce, they an. .. fitly qualified, butt?i§ Friviiedge et chooilng tiiem ^^v ■--'' Co tm ^'^^"Tchj k k vety probable, t^^^- ^"'" r. .,.-...,-... iiad iii;wu/ to chopfe their o:wn MiHx^uis ^":'ibe of I^i^^, yet out of the I.evi:*^s ct.cy ci:OOK leives ' ' "f, thus it ought to be i. " " i Churcbc-^ i^Ilks Oiderta the Church oi: "1^:- ^ .o cnoo;' cons. ,/^, 5. 3, 4* ^ y dia not take upon them to prci the Ferlbns fhouid be, and impoie Deaco i them, b: liie liiatter to^their own choice , and the r of which God chofe one to be an Apoftle, -^i^^, BeHde is the Pri ^e of a'ufree Sodedes to'd^o^ c«rs t. fuch Cauntrv^^ a-i arc conquei*d '? , nor fuch €ountrys v/here the Governa^cnt h Hcrcdjt?. 11 -. are free, neither uader the Powc ponqaero... Bond of a Covenant do chooif* t^Hr nv/n _.^-€ry their owaconfenc, dlrcc^ .. wherda God is pleated €0 appoi point Rulers over them ; God app to the Office of the Priefthcod'i: pointed any Ofe-jers in Chorches n an/ that Irall impofe Ol^cers over frc€ choice. « ^'ea, v?herea Church bath ten- iLhc:re is no ncceiHtv' that ?ht;/ il^ r.'- r^r-t? r-;iy choof^ One to Preach to- tbe;>. ._ ^♦ume^ in cafe* ..^^ts, tine dcrator *, !a cafe they ha. .. .... ^, ;r .vi.i th^y ma theD ly cftooic a Mo- , . . >r^ one to do lie D^''^-"^^s work, yea m cafe iheix be need, theyiaay ehoofeibms ^^"""^^ aiuulterof theGoipclj to Admiiiiftcr the'Se^k of the Co- • Qt psr-formfonie «4<^t of GavcnHrnent v^pou a-. particular By £b€ lame reafba tv, Ghur ^ " chooie ^.ts own Officers, it "r ^-IfGcboofe i.tsowii Str-^rsnts; r?^(ri;c^ is called a Sf^irant t>f th Lii%f> Cnurchs i^c-m. 6: t.. So were Vv iddows^ for they were not crdam- ad:. So their Sexton and foch as Ihall over-le^ the mg% or ^iiy orhei Servants that ma^ be for the convenlency ot the Church. i .':arch Priviledge of choofing Officers,^ doth only belong to the Brethren of the Gbirchv the Brethren are fald to choofe the Dt2LC0n% Mh 6. 3. And Womm have not Power in this matter^ ^ Thr '4., 3 J. Let yoitrWomen keep (ilence in the Chunhs^ i Tim. .., _.,,. ' "^^^xiot ri Woman to teach, nor to iifarp Authority over xM . ..u., ^t is iccoaftJlent with that State of tubjcaion wuic:h God hath vv,.* ^?.^JJ, ,^j^^^ ^f i^Vj^gy niiightvote^ they nnghe over-rule the Men, "tske of this l&v' 1 :^j£«::-;.9«^:ss>«rUfmcimtv;4aM& ' 1 %i^» --^ t^pS x'x ■1 p. Ci/ df (^Ofigregaiwnal Churcues mMt f- ^^r Power. Th ... ..)i^cer> -^^ Conf ^vv^-hftnai Churches arc either Eiders 'or P' ■ >ns^ ., • V^^' ""'*T teaching ElderSj or RdLng iLider- '.i u-w ^r/"^"" Vi s.*^ ^>«ill•p.vl^r^•.^:J tll3 9 ill the p the Covenant, they together with the Ruling Eiders^ -r- • the Church, and they are to blefs the People Such Learned Men as are fuieably^qualiBed, uut noi lu U}>osiocca!iaridirchargeicme part of this work' ^, but'/ iidornri other parts of it, that they may not meddis vvl ' hcic Acts vyhkh arc Ads of Natural-^WoriJiip may be perforaied bj ' ;i, as pray- ing ^Bd Prcachiog^ but (uch Miniftcthl Acts as do ::iid vvinoll' upon inllitutioii, they may not perform, as ths AdniinilLration or Sacratnents, the diipencing of Ccn lures and an Authoritative b-^ ling J th^k are performed ooly l.^y Virtue of aiilaftitntioDj there- fore are to be done only accordini^ to an InCAtmoxu A teaching Elder by Vlrtae ot hi^ relation to a particular Church, ris bound to attend hk work in that Cho'rc.. . uid by Virtue of that relation, he has no Authority to perform Acts of Office to any other Ch.urch, or to the Members of any other Church AOembiiug with his own Church : Pailoral Power over a particular Church glv^?: hio: fio Power Over any that are ot that Church, his relation to them gi'/es i'.im no Power over any othen But every Man that is a Paftor of a pariicular ^^narch ilands in d more General f clarion^ as a Miniiler of Chrilt^ Ibrne that arc net Faftors to pardcular Coiigregations are yet Minlflers of Chrift ; and . jcvery Man that is a Pallor to a panicalar Church is a MirJfter of Chrit?:, and by Virtue of that F^elation he m.iy do A&of OHice the Members of other ^^ Churches occauonariy ailer: i^lth h;s ' owti, and towards other Churches being deGred,. wlic^ con- Yeniently b2 fpared from his own, and cowards particular Feifon-! that are Members of no Church. The Levites were the Miniflers of God before, they had Relat._. to any particular Synagogue-, Paul hath Oi5qePower''ovcr rh? Brc th'^p ^c well as the Church of God, yi^. 26, 17, t3. T'^ '^'-rcb ^i c}7i lent Barnabas to Antioch^ to officiate as a Miuii-vi ^ ..id:. ^ ' :i'.z they that h«ve Authority to Preach hav^ -''b to B3ptlze, /. 8. 19, 20. vVc find that P^i^i* did hoc B^];a/:e fac-" " ^^ '^rjugntover to the Chrhtian faith, but coinmitted thatWcViiv 10 foaie other infer ioar Miniilcrs that were in Co '..h him, ,1 Cot. tf 14. And this he did afcer the Eiampleoi Chriil, J'.^ ,,2. There is need that f^me have OfEce-Powtr now to Preach to enc Heathens^ as well as tiiere was ii\ tiie Oays of the Ap 1|| 1/ A dar belong td" 4$ well 3 there nny be ieveral ncv/ that Baptirm C(?n?r V be Eunuch and t ociiers, therefore there are fom-' appointed by God tor that Service. I The reaching Officer is appointed by Cnriit to ^Baptize and Ad" minlfter the Lords Supper^ and therefore he U made the judge by God, what Perfoiv^ ibofe ordinance, ure to be AdniiniR-red to, and Baptize fuch as offered themfelves. As the Adminidration of thefe ordinances is committed to thctn, *• *■•"■■ '- '^ing ccncerning, thofe ,., v;ha they are to be Adminiflred n- , .^ lii^v are to Judge what' fubje^t to teach 'UX)n, and as the D. .coa is to judge who is to be .. -.^_.^ _„...-.„ ._ ,5. The Teacbina • s with the Ruline Elders, make the Presbvterv of the Church , vvkh whom the Government. of th'i Church is entrnfled : The Power of Ceiirarine offeaders ia the Church, and abloivirdi of PeniteatS;* doih belong aionettoihefe, theBfcthren of rhe Church ?re not to inteirmedQle with it. The Eiders are toR^iie over the Church, ^nd therefore not to be over- ruled by the Brethren, it is the work of the Elders to rule v"^^ ell, i Tm, 5. 17^ The ?4enibersof their xhands, hence we reciC " the Rolers and Chief Rukisof the Synar ■ ,5, Jl[l. 1%, Deut.zi,^, The Elders- have the Keys of the Kiiigci;.-.'; of "" \'-a committed to rhem, Matth. 16. t8. The meaning ir .^ ihai he fhould be aa Elder and Rckr of the C.Ii|3ri-: /^ \>*iii all the Power of Govcrninent was with the Eidc - Ob]. J CVr. <^. 1,4, 'r}j€ Church was or dt ^^^/u7, :, rhey may be only required to p' ^ icgotE^- commonicatlon frorii P^w/. ^. It'iS'ComiTionm Scripture, to attrlDiu . which is done bv .it to the Fetyikk Society ; as when '"jod reqi-^res tha ; People of y«il;?fe do Acts of Fablickji^dice^ be doth not intend thai. the People ^oald intrnd? into that- v^^rk ''Uer^ do it, ^. Whereas k h faid that the Piinilhmeat was mfi^fIcd by n.,.;y, it may be' read before niany ; Deacoiis were diofen at finl: to ^ Over-fi^htof the Poor, ./^^*r the Lords Tabk^ ^Mch isgaihered irom Cimt mnaic, y^, 6 2. It Ss not meet that wc ^ '1 leave the Word of God and fcrve Tables, but there feems to bsno iier a Church Or - v • the GDiifca ?5 to iee done ; Ibrri may be done by tsci v<; C M A Of t^^ Ordination ai p. VI ;u *,^r'- r inptHere are Tioneto beotdaioedC^' JL bot thofe that have a regular caii 10 tuoie ( o . 15 the AdmifTiOii of P " nn?o the^ t!0n of tfaeir call^ needit-i to the rcgniar it includes iait hrf: itm irnplou . tht with them in their OfFice. Two chin zs are tt. to a iOi' invitation ot thcie vvhcsi God batheatra. other is, the confea-: .of the PerroniGv:*-" .iwopptoba virh rh:^t cau. u . \ l^ i boiM, ^.cforeiav^cscalleclof Godto^onterrimmedsatdyiipoiithe work of the Office ^ before he be accepted of God as an Qiiic^r. •''^' ' 'voik of the Deacon being confiatd to one Congiegauon, .nc iiiVj: ' ' cf that Church, is fufficient without any fmtberap^ probdnorw.l^. 6. 7. God ^ia- V / d all bi 'y Ordinances to be Adminiftrcd l: h i:iar Cferch ;, in c;iie of neceffity. the choice of a rcii I '^ *;7ithout any further approbation ) cnto the t l^A&zv% ^s T^hcn, Luthet -ei^d others btoks off horn YttEldtf shaving nc^oriy Power over their particular Char ches^ bur. alfa Qv<='r others^ and God having committed to National ^nd ^rciVi ..die?,, the care of particular Congregations^ it Is r.v h'-' :>bta.lsed;j that there be .ir^ -^^-'-^-nbation.of '^■^^ depjited -V ^' ^ nr Pi Q, i^f^ Y *" ^'^ ' ^ ■ - ■ 1 •* .^c 1 .' ,*ntni3:ed v/ith the Office 01 . iit^i-ti ui v^iuiu, v\i,u ii.r. ^ ub calisio any particular GO; ' re i?. ■ ' 'atthty.haYe the approbation of fome •jvta :.b icU -ikiai G^i^try. or at leail; by a par ticidas i at FerfansLtiiat are to perform this Ad of Or4!-* i as are moil, ihitabl^;^ to the Ends of Ordi- ion, ?^q= Tlic i; ing approbation and the obtaining the ? fence of God with him -, fonietimes we find that extraordinary Per- ions bare ovviaintd a 1 .v-'^g^ extraordinary Office, 2 Tim, ^..6, bomeiimes we Hnd tbr'.t extraordinary Perfons have ordained ordi- nary OtTiceiye, Ja. :, ...d there is cominand given to extra- ordlnarv Officers to ordain Ordin.. , _. vTim,^\ 22. 1 Tit, 5. SoiPa-- times we hnd tbat':f^'""^^'f>'fdiriafv O^ficef^ and nrdinary have/oyned m the ordaiming oV ......ordina.^ ,,..>, i^. ., ^. .>onietinies we find that ordinary Officers, have ordained an extraordinary Ofhcer ^ T Tim ■ ^n - "^^ ' ^ytal .Church that is in order, MiniP--^' ■htio\}iz<>^^h iu^.M Elders, as are appointed bv the Fi.i^- ^ ■ '■ " lr:^ai:r;jrit.^ -^ the Land. ' hurch i5 noi in ordcTj ir. jsmeet foni'i iuiteabk- Per Ions ttd by the .1 inp, t.idcrs, bat in cafe of neceln^y. Miuiltei a u:ay be r. ' !ireu appointed V;/ the Glmrch to that -^^ fame •on*; ongjht to be performed bv Elders of ':afe v be any, or by the . .n in cafe I ions, thdt %Ye jniiler removing from oxie CIr dained a fecond time.., as Paul was, r . It is ihe manner^rrfonie places to ilitution, and to Mtnillers .at tlv fellowdup, from the E^campk of doubted whetlier that wa% any m-: we are to feek whether . have fellowfmp with. u a nf^ ivf to anpth2t\ niaybeot*- >ably Timotty., Ghirrches ac their Cc>n^ aation, the right hand of ApoiUt's :, bin tc may be ■ ciyil Ad, if it he aa hi- > be done to all thoie Per- wnen t ought to be ^:! l9lttmftMmratitm»^ - .-^^f-fa. a^ii»,gr^.fciaj^ *«pggBlu-a CHAP. ^ 0/' ^/je Worjhip that is to he attended in Conoxemt tonal Churches. v.> o H E End of this Gonflitution of Congregational Chinches L is the joynt Celebration of the V/orfmp of God, hereb tliey differ from civil Societies, thai meet together for the ina- Bagei^ent of civil affairs. Ttie ftrfl: part of Worlliip that is to be attended ia the Church of God is Prayer;^ Prayer which includes in Ir^ befides Petitions^^ tonfeffi MIS and thankfgivi^s, is a principal part of Gods Worlliip, Prayer is a part of Gods WoxM^^ Fjal ' " %x. ffal '.49. u This 1% to be attended in dieChiirch, AB. u 14.. Acs. 4. 24 All. 6. MiniRer is to bs the rriouthof the People to Ood^ Jli. 6, 4, Thcie publick Prayers ought not to be made by the reading ^t prercrlbed foims of Prayer^ out of a Book, he that iiadmot the gift of. Prayer, is not fir. to be a Minifters there may be fbrne ex* empt Cafes wherein it is Lawful for a Man to Pray in a fo«'m which they have Lfanied out of a Book, but the impoiliig of fuch a thing on Men is aix addition., to Divine Inftitorions^ nnd the ordiiiarv praciifing of it is of very bad Comeqnence^ it qijCiiohes and iU^.cs tiic Spirit of Prayer -ndulges Men iu Wzwd:- "■--' '■■ ■■**••' unpr^''~'^'C to others* 7^ 1(7^^ ) T' to be pi^rjormeci mii? ' Duty, not be'^ Chrin: fviih bis Ciiciples ( X,7 A.nc 5. Jam. . all extraordinary Gifts ot 3. In the nd part of Singing of Fialms-, thh is . the tirjie of the Old Tedu ^tife it *, So afterwards F tive corrniiands for it, £/• primkive times when God Spirit. It was the manner iomotines for one Man to' fing a PJu' the Congregation toEiy Ame..^ Cor, 14. ;, .6. But no.. _ .^ mofb proper for us to joyn together in Singing of Ffilrns^ as Chrifl and his Difdples did, and 2iS Alofa and the Children ^^ r/T- ..? .ir.'i^ As the Church of Ifrael vvt;c. wonc Lu Sing luc Tfalms of D.wid^ fo ( tho we are not forbidden to Sing Pfalms of a private compo- (ore) it is Lawful foY us to Sing the Fj'ilms ." "mi and other Scciptare Pfilms^ the Apoille when he directs ui to Sing Pfalms^ Hymm and Spiritual Song?, ¥.ph,Col,''^. Hath a manifefl: refpeft to the divillon of Davids P films ^ forne things in thofe Ffalms are no fo liiteable to our prefenr Cafe, fo it is in what we read, yet Ffalms are very f!.iteable for us to meditate upon ; and conrain tJiem iiiiach Inftruction and Incouragenient, and becaufe they were indifted by the Spirit of God, are more proper to affed onr h.earts ami excite the workings of Grace, then iuch/as ?*re of a private ConHpov^^rr-, ^ ^'^' : part of Worlhip Is the Freaking and Teaching of the -,- r^''---'-:hing of th" ^^'^ord is to be attended to rhc End yjutth, 1%, 20, Ic is the Duty of Miniilers to \,ord, % Tim,^, /, A Miniiter is called a Preacher, This is a fpec' ■ ''leans to advance the Converlion of bifintrs ^aaLdiiication of Saints Altho it 'be the fpccial Office and Duty of Teaching Elders, and incd Minin:ers of the Gofpel, vet Preaching being a Moral Du- ty, it is lawful for iihofe, v^/ho are not ordained Minilrers, to Preach th Toel; Yea, in foine cafes it is Lawful for fuch 3'kn who are IK.. to the Minillry. provided they have futcable abilities. The reading of large Portions of Scripture imon the Sabbath D- which wa^ coiitlantly Psattifed by tb njh Cburchj is -rirnlarlv ,. .squired by God^ there was great; nce{j whrrt f'.v: World had .. . i^e benefit .'k -.^finit'rf.^, r'''-*-^ri;,_ ;in.y fuch Z. ,'ts ^ , 'hnv f h «» V icr- vice iV» if - • * ■ "jrii^ttirc: by railir ^ad applying or ii, of by e:: ers not onir L^at nic'rTDi^e at er tc . Lord 3^Tubie,. bur ailb monlsr ro ■'•^^'^ :■ it iijay be prefumed that tnany Petfons are mq'. ous.. V€t there are manv ochers who are not to be confided i the Mifiifter hadr po^^er- by' Vrrtiie of bis Paflor -r that they Learn ; reafon difetes this to be a moil f'n- as in tbe Learning of Arts and Languages, (o in . the way 6fe^fal^ation, the moll pr''^'^'^^ -^-^ >.rr.nt;i>.i- ing, are to be afed hy Minifter--^ A fourth part of Worihip i. i:>upuuu> tii pointed by Chrif?: hlmfelf to be a perpetual Oruinancv: iauiCA.^r}. i- llian Church, It was publifhed hy John before, by " ~ ftitution, but afterwards declared by thrift, to b^ a iiuuumg '- :;race in the Charch. It is very likely t"hat the form afte- b DiRupleswas. that thev did Ba,rd7e : net the Lord fe- ;u5, ^: 9. 5. But feeing Chrift d y com in and ftiesbetore his aifention, to J5^]?ri2:^ in >^:t:of tlk F^i -.^ and Holy uhoft ^ we have no reafon to think that the firft Teach- ers of the Gofpeldid nfe any other fotm, and whea we 'read tha: ^^z Samaritans^ were Baptized in tht Name of P^^ " -'^^ Jsluf^ 18. Asd that Pi^t-^r ordered that Corndius anu ^1^ worapai ^■^^- 8. Uid. The Perfons that ars fent to Aammuter Baptiun, are the fain, that are. leat to preach the Word, Matth, 28. :9., 2c poftles did fomerlmes decline it, yet w ro conciuo:.- that they commltred it to Inferionr M of Ghriit, v/hodid aot coinmit it to the Peon''"- ov :is D'-ci- ples, John 4. 2, therefot*tr:-:h Preachers a .aed ^i . Ibers, are*Q0t to Baptize, 83 r^^ V Baptife iriiy he Ado. red either in the i'v . .. AS^tt in private, ihctf i«? no appohicmcni that ncccffitutes ihe pubiick ptrtbrmance of ... .;i€r€ur HTngin the Nature of the ordbai^cr tliat doth secciTitate it 5 s?'^ -i that the Apoltks aiid Apf^'^' Ileal Men* did ir. a* there v . k ^r^^ publkkly and privat^iV, yrcf ^ '^:^,an6 9. iS. and \c ^ n: is no i£?csfEty that iti.um i>. Members of any para- .1 *^jr itiori before they be Bapti7xd 5 Peifon?. before they m 1?i^!p/Dersol any paitkular GongrcgaiioD^ may have that quaiificat!" ,. on that gives tbera z right to ' • uiij viz., Vfil.bk Saintihip ^ many that were Bapti'zcd in the fir It times did notbeloi\g to any partial- I lar CoDgrrgation of Chriftians, and tho many of theni did beloag No p2irr;nhr Je:vi(h Congr^^'gations or Synagogues^ yet fome did Such adnlt pcribns as make fuch a profeillon of the Chriftian E'aith, as is Morally uncere, at e to be Baf^tizcd > as doth appear by the Evample of Joh^y^ Chfift himfelf^ Phillip znd others, who were dirc'fted by the Spirit of God ^ and none were refufed tliat did fe» Covenant People of 6od by either Parent, ;r;cta be Baptized, i Cor, 7, 14. Such Infants as do defcend froiUParenrs that are under Q>ttrch cenfures, foj immorali- ties, arc not to be denied Baptifm, becanfe Exconimunicadon doth not cul: .Ven off' from the Covenant ot God , fuch Infants as are the Children Oi h^^Vcbens, beioncingto the Families of the People of Ciod, are Incorpotaied into the Covenant and are to be Baptized ^ wixn th.: ApoRlc. f: ^^ i Co^ 7 J4v Elfe v;ere yoyr Children un- clean, heipciiksof thcrn as they come Into the Wovld f, yet it foi- iow:/not, bnt wh^A they ivre taken into the Families of Cfinflians, they do becc^^c '^-l'''^* > fuch were to be Circiip^-tHVfV \inder the A Sfth j-A/i J Worfhip ;.. .ne Lords Snpper ; whicL '-.a.. .ulii« /^iiied by Chrilt a little before his Death, to be a ftanding Ordinance La th« Chriflian Chrrch;, all fach Profeflbrsof the Chriftlan Faith, 'ft?; are of b^r.'-clefs Convetfacion, and have knowledge toeicamine U-cnilclv^ J diicri-n the Lords Body., are to be admitted to thz f rdsS ^ A ores Three \s aretequirite in r. to adralfhcn to the Lords Sup- !per ; FiiR, Vlub)c Saincfhip, and that is found in fuchPerfons ; all ^pvofeflbrs walking blarnekily nrcVil'ible Saints -, the A/embers of 'iliC 7ck5//7j Church arc often called Saints in the Scripture, who did I. ' ' give m ^ H lUrtuer ?¥: o£ then SaintSiip, a Profeuion onTTe vith a good Converfatioii, is a fiifficient ground for marks that we are direded in the Scripture to Jndge ot Mem SamtChipby ^ The Apoftie did accept of iochPcr- fons'for ViKIe Sauits, Akn that have thefc Charaders, are not vil- biy wicked, therefore tliey are Vifibie Saints ^ thefe prox)ercies arc the the proper Fralts of Saintftiip, and therefot r coafMcute /l/ea Vi bie Sais?ts ; (ach a profciTiori as hm.ng Tmccrs ir^akes a Aim a re Saiat^ being .4/ora!.ly ilncere, makes a Mm a Vifible Saint. Th:^t ih- real whereby Godly ylieado make their, Saint Hiip VifiMe^ does make '9 J^a ViSble Saints. ':'?>- a. nrnM'r^n of the truch and a ^_^r^^ c-^n^ veriation, A iccond requii. ^.^^^ that they :. ., .,. .candaiou^ , u ./■ 3nthaL is really aiid^fliibly Godiy may fall into a Icaadai, and npoo that ac- ccHjsat be forbiddea to partldpaie al: the Lords Tabic, but when. theirConverfatioals g,ood,they csoDOt be hiadred np^n i' " ' ccouiire A third requifitcis^ chat they hays knowkdge to cxmanc thein- fslves and difcern the Lords Body ^ for the want of this Infants are • denied the Lords Supper. Thcfe Adult Ferfons that are fit to be admitcediata the Churchy are to be admitted to the Lords Sapper, All Adilft FeribriS that are He to be admitted into the Churchy ordiQarily have all tbofe qualifications requiute to the participation of the Lords; Supper. They make profeiBon of the true Filth and are at good Conver- fatioh^ they have- kaowiedgeof che principles of Religion, and To are able toexainiae themfeives, and if any of the?ii fnould nor: , i derllaad the H^rm# r.f th^r ordinance, they may ronT> |-r- n-f^H? n-?rr iiiformed. Two thini.,^ ...v. evident in tbi. . -^ "'f the Apoffclea, ..^^v t:., that they readily admitted liich mto lu,.. :h, as m^dc a profeiH- ori of the Ghrillian FDiLh, ^W. 2. yi&. 6- ... c never read that ever tiiey dcTued Adinifilon to any Man or Wonian chat m^de that pro- lefTion ^ the other is, that all that wexe thus received by Uiem, -^^ Emitted to the Lords Supper, "iCcr. ic 17. AH. 1,24.. l.icy made no diflindioii of the Advdt Members of the C h, into Commaaicants aud Non-Commiinicants. Thofe that are commanded by God to participstc ot che Lords Supper, are to be admitted to the Lords S , but all profeffors that have a good Q^nverfation and Knowledge are commanded by God to participate in the Lords Supper, if Men have not rhc;c Qiia- F iifiuUons \. •"•-^^^ liScatidiis they ate not obliged irpmedi^Ltd/ to participate in tbt Lords Supper, for it would be a fin if they fi^ouid J Birc having |l)efe Qiialifications they arc bpundv provided the^'K-'^-e opport^^ ChriiC ha?, hid this Law upoa Frofeifors, i Cor-, . . . .^, 2,5, The pcr- fons here commanded are not only tcue Believersj> then-'none can do it with a good Confcience but tliofc that know themfclres^to ' true Believ^ers y then the Charch Ancjiority can require, ftonc but traei Believers to come, l;hfi Pevfons rlierefore required to partake ai;e fhch profeirors ?•<; carry *^ inoffcofavely, andif f«ch are b^ ' to come . the Church is bonna to receive them, rhey ^may not hinder any ^ from doing his Duty. There can be nojoilcaufe afligned, why fuch Men fiiculd bs. de- barred from coming to the Lords Supper, they are not U) be debar- red for not giving the higheH: evidence of fiucerlty ; Iriere nc was any &ch Law in the Church of Cfod,, that any (ho;jId b red Church ^riviledgcs becauie^ they did not give the highefl- evi- dence of fincerity, nor for want'of the Exercife of Faith ; it is ua- reafonabk to believe Men to be viiibie Siints from their Infancy till they be forty or fifty years cf Age^ and yet not capable oj cogaiing to the Lords Supper, for want of the Exercife of, Faith ; they are not to be denied becaufe of the wcaknefs of Grace, they^that have the leail Grace need to have it Komifhed and Chcri/hed. . Such Adult Ferfons as are worthy to be admitted intb the Cfrarch, , or being in the Church are vv'orthy to be continued without cenfcre, are to be admitted to the Lords Sypp^^r ^ it is utterly I'nreafonable ; to deny the Adult v'kmbers of the Church, the Lords Supper, and yet ncit lay them under cenfuie :, If they are g^Hto of any fcch of- fence as ro be Jcnyed the Lords Supper, why arejiey not cenfured I If they are not worthy to be ccnfured, why are they kept from t!i Lords Supper ? : Tiiereave fbme Scrip have been thought to hold forth a I need of fomewhat ftsrthei order 10 participacion in the Lr S\i\. which if they be examined will be found to be drained be- ' yond cheialport of them, P/^i, ^5 16. David iaith^ I will tell you^ whatth^ Lord hatli done for my, Soul^ hence it is argued, that Meii' ihouid give an Account of the manner of their Coaverfion, in or- der to their Admitlvon ■ but if it (hould be granted thsit David doth ; jreCped the work of Regenev^non, doth h follow beca'ufe he was '^willing to talk of it* that they mii^br make a Law to bind him to do it in the Synagogue, or doth it toll ov/ that Da znJ offered to do it ia order tdhisjoyning with the J'/B^i/A Church, J^. 2. 37, "^lev were ■ft *'»[>•»;"'• "Tfcfjpi'»-'*wu*f»i«' -,- <■ v'/«ii/>ti4..^'^trw . ■>,'JJ"»ni','" M i,iiv were; prkked at the t^arc^ ^-.-,.... . .,..^, wcrc.auiuitt..* ... , Chttrch^ -but lei it be corilidcr^d that many others were pynedto tfeeCliriftiaa Ghui'cbvoi wbom we vt-dd nofuch thing,, and here is m>Hving Rule that others mail declare that they are pricked ar ibe heart before their Admifllon • yea it is certain, that thcilj did nor declare their troiibie, in order to their AdmilFion into the Church, but in order ta their Oiredion ^ yea, it doth act appear that thef'j T' " vvers'anxkr a work of Coiivedioa at this time, chey might he Menb^fore^ the thing that famg them was a Nations! probability, they had no iia-ad in -, Forxh^e greater part ot "i ibrangers, came a p to keep the Feallof lumtscoft^ aad were greatly aife<4ed with the fin which the Nation of ihe Jews wcrepiicy of in Crucifying of Chrii% JB. % i6j i-]. The Church ^S€mfk^(^^n refufed to admit Paul to their Commomon^ till they were ififormed by Barnabas, of his Converfion^ but it doth not ap- pegr that Paul did then defire to participate with them m the Lords Supper, poffibly it might be only ia hearing of the Vvord and Pray- er .^ and the reafon why they v/ere unwilling to receive him, was nor any doubt whether his Converfion was fuicere^ but whether he was - Chriilian : As if in a Fopiih Country, one who had been a violent Perlecutor fhould ElFay to joyn himfelf to a Proteftant Cona ' -^' on, it would be no wonder if they fhould be affraid of him, they vvere informed that he was become a Proteftant 9 this is no • '" juidation to require of all that ioyn to the Church, an Account :v Ut the mariiier of their Converlion. i Fet, 3, 1 5, Men are rgijulr- sd to be ready to give an Anfwer to every one that asketh theni ./ reafon of the hope that is in them ^ but here by the reafon cf th: hope that is in vhem, we are not to underHand their expe the Grace of God, but the grounds of their Faith, the '•: .?n wb they did believe ilie Chriftian Do^^trine? This is evideni . isibeaking of Periecution, ?/ i^. and bccaufc he directs v give their Anfi/v'er with roceknefs and fear. Qpell:. Bere it may he enquired^ whether fkth Pcrfon: ....^ ... .. . good Convey fation and a Compeimt Kna-wledge^ m^'y came to t--- i'<^l Supper^ with a £Ood Ccnfcienco^ in cafe chey knuw p}^^^^''?:^^ frh tural Condition^ ^nfw. They ma^ .:ua u-.^i..:. to come, th-^ ^^.^^ ^ ,.j,, .,:i^;u;icivr- ] to be in a Kattii -.d Condition ; this Ordinance t$ inftituted for aiV ' Adult Members of the Chnrch who are not fcandalons, and thcit- i fore mufl be attended by tliem ;, as no ''' 1 niay nc ^ "^ er,. or bearing the Word, becanfe he cannot uo *; jn Faith, iQ^ie -r * :|i negied !ihe Lords Supper, i h^ l?TnIt?ruted to be a means of Regeneratbts ' It IS not appomied t Converting of Men to the Chrillian Re- pattake of it ^ but ?r ^$ t a means alfo t. There be many, according to the Orclinance of Chrift, to be ad- mitted to the Lords Supper,'who are not Repenenite, MaPth, 25, 1 2c The Kingdom of Heaven is like tea Virgins, live of them wcrf Wife, and Bve Fooltfn, and it can have no other immediate end f% fpecting thefe., butthdr Converfion:, the end of a]] Ordinances ? iaivatioa, and therefore to thefe Men it rault be Regeneration, fo? without it., they cannot be faved. This Ordinance hath a proper tendency to draw finners to Chrift; iu this Ordinr'^ce there is a partiailar Invitation to finners-^ to come to Chrrft for Pardon, here is an affeding Reprelentation or the Vir- tue of Chrids fuffenngs, here is a Seal whereby the Truth of the Cofpel is confirmed, aU which are very proper to draw finriers to Citriil. If the Lords Supper be only for the ftrengthcning of Saints, then they who are not Saints do profane the Ordinance, when they do partake, and it is not Lawful for them to partake^ and then they that do not know themfelves to be Saints, don't know that it is l^.wful tor tbeni to pariake, and lO far as any Man hath fcruple^ about his Saintftip, he muft proportionably have fcru pies about th^ ■-.rtwfmnefs of his Participation, and fo Sacranient Days which IhonlBI" be Days of Comfort, will become Days of Torment. All other Ordinances are appointed for Regeneration, Prayer, scaling the Word, Baptilm , fo Ukewife thecenfuresare, that the '>oul may be faved in the Day of the Lord jefus ^ they are to for- €:her Mens Regeneration, in cafe they be not Converted already, and it would be ftrange jf the Lords Supper aionc (houid not be appoin- ted ft^r that end, whereas it hath a proper tendency i.hcrennto, and many that come to that Ordinance by the appointment of Chrifb, tland m as much need of it, as thofe that partake of other Ordi- 4k A ftxtlj part of the Worfhip is Ecclefiaftical cenfures, thefe wert Intedin thetimcof the Old Tef^ament, ami are to continue in uje wnto the end ot the Vv^orld, k doth evidently appear, both from the Writings of the ^icrvs and likewir from the Scripiure, that ;;he I'ffrs did make vk of Ecclenailical ceniures^ Johfn^. 34, $s*. John 3. ind ! 2.'/t?^ And it is evident, thai thefe cenfures were accord- ing V-4 ^ ■; 2-:< J- ^topmne Inftitotioii, from Matth, . , . ,, . .. ... . '^ere make a new IniH^^*'^-'^ ^-^^ ♦'^e Golpel Church,^ for th tvas nor, yet in Beiog^ v. u uv tx^^cs thein to the practiic^^i uu ^\^ l^^^----' n ^ if if ^ - -nqi)ired where we find siny fach IniUtucion iu the uxaTeftf*" ^ i\nfw€r, in ihat e*^ - whkh we ofc^a CO re- Lior>. find ia the Old iwiaiaenc^ Chat the; ^ 'CCur Gm, 17, 14. £-^M 12, 14. When one brori*€r is prove another, and in cafe of LioGrr' ' ncfs ^ Church, that compiand doth not onl- i the Bvet. Congregation, but alio the Brethrea of : fbf theipe lies the fanie ^ond upon us according to oppci to fufFer fm in others, as well as in the- Mcmbevs of the lame Gcf^^ eregation. ^ There is no need of a partknlar luSkati . 1 have . . Power oiJudgpien% to determirje whttLer 2pe;„ . je to bcceii- fared or not *, it is a part of Rule^ mid where God appciatsK-ulers in his Churchy he appoints that they (f^-- Tndgc thefe matters- there*- fore when Chrifl appoints; a Pafror to t v a Ruler la the Cimrch^ he expreiTes it by having Pqwr? '*" binding and looSng, Matth. i^. 19. A I'crfba liiat is under ^nurcn cen fr.Mit hW • ■ \ he Itands in a Bi- Members o ' 2 Tkj^ 3, under cenlurei^ hisorience^ dotb not S:/ ;p, rherefbrc his Children ate to oe Baprizc , il^i offences as are of U more Heinou. 3, done call for C cenfutes, provided there be a futeabie Spirit of Repentance; li tht end of cenfures be obtained, there is no occafioa' for them ^ Feubnb under thefenteaceo^ Excomnranicatian, are natorily to he debarred t rem the Lords Supper, but alfo to be exclued from the f^rnihar Society of the Psople of God ^ where there is no fpeciai Bond., we are not to have that Society wir^ t^>erri, that v'- ^27 ^ •- ^ '\^kh Itethe^s, I Cor. 5. 9, 12, - -. ihis Act of y/orihip appertains Abrd!utLv...j v^.j^ntlie Periba ;.i)aj- hach offended doth nrianifeU a Spirit of Rep^nt^ nee, v'^--'-^ary, by way of peed let Ion. io the Fatriarcns d ^ liOt iii^reov cut on I to orhei :er o^i-ce z a x>i his Vifi motion. 4 sxcr hs; i- 10.^ lueis a Prav - " » » / f:u..'4:/: of th Lord Jcpa Chrifi h with you ^ Yet thish \ "Declaration in Gods Mame what ihali come to pais,, ddv eroie it mult be underdood ia ilich a way as k 3c * o Gods Covcnaat.^ /^fjif, 20. 34. Cod appointed ths Tr-z^i Gj Oia r " -t P^o^e^ Numb, 6. 23. And this workieein;. ti to the reft of the Levites^ who werf teach- ers in . hut, cc. 8. There is no need*of any new IdfticatioE in t!at Gotpei^ impowrins'. Miniiters to blefs'in the Name of God, \l being a proprr oa the work of a Minifter \ Chriil by ap# paiEitiog M :. h3ih appointed Men tc^bleis the People 5 vet thsf f^ems . ne Iriftituted. M^tth, 10. 12^ r?. X'/fwr, Such men as ara Preachers of the Gofpei^ yet not feparated to that v^Oi k b^^ '"^"diinstioii, have no Power to blefs the Con- gregatlon^ becar iS depeads meerly upon iDilitution, there- fore k not to bw a-^iiej but according to Inftitution. MinifteiS beii-^g appointed to blefs Autkoritatively in. the ^anae of God. i£ ^s ' -!y improper for them to fpeak in thehrft l^erfofi/' ling i€vit^^' Numh,^6. 24, !t;;^is alfo impro- per foi tittiTi 10 Bit is the Church of God, that are difpcrfed d! over the Worlds ^ 1^ C H A » ; ^ O- A X. Of Churches confijlimz of Dhers Conpe- A Ihurch conufting of Dl^er? Coi^gregaciocis:, ■ , __ _ Divers Congregational Churches, jo ■cord- ing to Gods appointment, for the conftant car : " P'-'-n- lick Wordvipof God j fuch Churches are acknoi^dedged mt|ie great- eft Part of Proteilant Churches | but Tome iu latter times dorr: i Quellion whether there be any fuch Churches. - That there are National .Chiirches, doe« appear .. imtli^ light of Nature, the light of Nature teaches u^, ..^s Man was made for the Worfhip of God, that Man is fiiced for Socieiy, j^^^ the great end vvhy he is fo, is, that in Society be may carr~" '"-- Vv^orihip of God, and as the light of Nature" ceacr?es r- ^ Societies ought to carry on the Worfhip of God iix '"' that Kingdoms and'Countrys Ihoold joyii logtth .u^.u- and advancing the Worfhip of God^ it is moil: a light x>f Nature, that they that are one P^or uouid ^luiu > ther in carrying on Gods Worfhip, and fhould nave Pow^^r to regu- late and govern the leveral parts of tha^: Body >i > that every Kingdom fbould fee that tfie vVordiip and ices of God J be attended in the fevetai ConftreHations therein ^dIy^ From Gods appointing the N- Church, JB. i. 38. And God fias not appointed an^ Churches in the times of the New Tsiramentl tb^, kinds of Churches appointed now^ Congregational ^'*^^*'^^- new ^^iXidi of Churches, but according to the Old . every Synagogue of the Jews was a Gongrcgatioaal duivh, they bad Ecckfiaftical Rule and Governmeat in them ^ cbey are cnlled Churches by Chrift, Matth, 18. 17. That the Old Teihmenc mjli-- lution doth continue ft ill, appears partly b ' Chriiliaa Churches of the J^wt were fabordinate to the isationai C ' " ' . the Jem ^ they were Members of the National Church ici ai- 1 tend "j^mfli Ordinances ^ aad therefore by Inftituiiofi, Ctn iftian ^ r 16 ) Cori?;r€gauons art: not sbiohite^ but Subordinate to a National Churcb , it IS fur anfe rhe Jevoifn National Church didnotceafe d^t Ceremcniv Te their Date was out bnt1)ecarfe they reu Chriil, Fm: . Had they kept Gods Covrnant^ thev woulJ have routiniied a National Church to this Dsv- 3/yj From the Publick Coveivsnt ibst is between God znd a pro- feifing People God made a Publick Covenant between him and the People of^Jji^,:^ vvherein be engages publicjc Frofperky unto them, ..,..>n condition of their ohc:<]ience;. and all profe&ing Countries arc ^]nd-^'— he fame Covenant for Tubftance; the promife^ and fo the thrcuu.iogs .ledaitd are of force unco the end of the Worlds and have th«^ like encour: :nt to obedience that they had^ zpA are ■Si the like dai i ^i cate or dlfobedience. £0 the time of theii Reftoration, this abundantly Witnefleth that every Chriftiaii Nation is a Church 1 if God hath made a Covenant withtbcm i:pon condition of obedience^ then they arc a Society in Cpvenant with God,tbe.(i they are one body in Covenant with God, and the whole hnh Power over the parts^ and they are inveft^d with fiifScient A'^^'Tfty to fee the Covenant kept : If they were in Covenant, anr- '^ Power to make the feveral parts to keep Covenant, liie w^v.,;au; ould be a fnare to them , particular Socie- ties might bring-^uik npon them, and tliey w^ould have no.f ower to remove it ; if Ihcy be all engaged in one individual Covenant, the Country hath Power to regola#ai] Maleadniinillrations that any of the parts are gi^ilty of.^;l they are in one individual Covenant, tiiey are as one body h^ ' d by God, the People of God, the flock of •Chriil,^ and thereibre one Church \ here is all that made IJrad to be ^ Church, thefefore ikh a People area Church. ; Ah, Frorf the promifts that God hath made of making Gentile i ; tions I . *eople -, God ik\ not only promife to fei up fome I Churches among the Gentiles, but to take whole.Nationv. into Cove« ' nsnt with liimfelf, Ifa. 24. 22. Andit is exprefly foretold by Chi,.,, that whole'Nations fliould 1 ecclvc the Gofpcl, and become Churches, It- pr^»..,*^^ w*^ ,.x«v^^ .,s. v..^ , -^ -- tnce, aj v/erc made to them in Dcutrenomy^ and if the whole Jeiri/h Nation V ^/ V f Nation will be one Chtsrcb, when they are reftored, tlicr^k will be fo with every other ChriftiaD Nation, the difFerence between Jews and , €m%tiks\% Tiim abolifhed. 5. Becatjfe the fuprcani Eccleiiaftical Auchoii y doth not lye in particukr Congregations^ if there be ao National Church, then eve- ry particular Congreganon is abfolute and indepcadaiir., and not refponfable te any higher Power: This is too Lordfy a principle, iu is too ambitious a thing for every fmall GongicgatiouiOariogatefuch an cncoQtroalable Power, and to be accoiiiitaDie to none on Earth - this iS neither a probable way for the Peace of Churches, nor for the fafety of' Church Members; appeals are admitted in all Kingdoms y and it is more piobable that irf a whole Counlry, Ferfons may be found that may redify the Mlicarriages of particulai Congregati- ons, then that particular Congregations will net mifl'arrr, this ab- folute nefs of particular Congregations is a dignity chat the primi- tive Churches did not enjoy, this is not the common Priviiedgeof Gofpel Churches ^ the primitive Cliurches were under the Govern- ment of the Apoflles, and it feems that God gave t!:cm this Power, becaufe the ordinary way of Government could not then be pradi- i fed, the greater part of all Gentile Nations lying in their Hea- * thenifm. I Obj, I . We don't find tn th Ncvp Tsjlament^ any I'-^aUi^ml Church among the Gentiles, Anfvo. The reafon of that is, not that National Charches are not according to the mind of God, in the Days or the New Teftamem:^ but becaufe there was no Nation that did receive the Cliriilian fattli, Tho there were many Congregations gathered apiongthe Gentiles, yet i:here were very few of them, comparitively, that did entertain the Gofpel ; the bulk of all the Gentile Nation?, lay in tlieir Hea- tiienifni, during all that time that we have, the Hiliory of in the Scriptures, Obj. 2. Cod hath not appointed in the Nem Teftrryft^nt any National Officers^ as the High Priefi m Ifrael, nor any Nat*..., .. '*^'^'^ -^^ PTor- Jhip as jerafalem, therefore there vs no Natica.il Church, Anfw. I. To have one National Oincer over the whow, i^ n^u eflentiai to the being of a National Church ; Ifrad was a National Church, t'hen they had no fuch National Officers, while the firft Born did Exercife t^e Office of the Priefls, before tbe reparation of the Levites to that work. There be feveral forts of civil Govern- ■ Rient,aonfv of which are eHentiai to a RepuMick. The being of a Na- tional Church doth not neceffitate this or that form of Govern- H «ient^ f . iMit : If tl^e W 4.j^TOi2l Churcli, v: follovvs ti:^i j^u^i^e n3nll be fome to Rde over the whole, but that this Power (liouM reiicic ei- ther folely, or priiicipally in one Man, dothaotfoliovv^at all. It was rateable to the State of the Jewi/k Church, that, there (hould be one fupream OfScer to- be a Type of Chrill - buit now there beipg no fud'i occafion, the Church may be governed wiihout any luch, " "' 2. To have one National place of Woriliip, is bat accidental to a Natiouil Chnrch ; Jjrad was a National Church in t'sypt^ yet had no National place of Woriliip *, all the Wcrfhipof God^ befides thai which was tipical, nr^ght be intended in their Synagog The noc liaving a National place of Woi fnip, is no hinderance to their be- ing Governed by a National Authority*, There may be a National, Government as well v/khout, as with a National place of -VVot- ihip. « This National Church is to be divided into prov inciaL. and thofe again fubdivided into Ciaihcal The Light of Nature teaches m to . make fuch DiviHons of great Political Bodies, that Government may be more eafily managed. Natural prudence teaches Men in the dvii State^ to make fuch Subordination of Courts of juflice, for the benefit of the Common Wcaltlu This is according to the Counfel Adiich was given to /iiojh^ by his father ii\ Law, and approved by God, Exod. 1 8. By the fame Rule, that the whole b to PvUle over the parts, the greater parts are to Rule over the leffer parts, for a great- u' part, is^in whole refpecting the ieircr parts into "which it is di- vided. A County is a part with lefped^ to a Province, but an vhole with refpedt to the feveral Congregations therein, :-nd ac- -ordingly may Exercife Government over them ; yet with Suboi- ^nation to that Authority that is over the v^hole. A gradatiorv loth in Civil and FrHpfiafiical Authority is founded in the very --aw of Nature, Ob). If we grant a National Church under the Goffel^ we may as vfeU rant m Oecummcal Chtwch : thofe that plead for the Jurffdi{}i(:n ofSy- 1 rods^ refer ihiyigs at Idft to the. Judgment of an Oecumenical Synod, i Jnfw, There is no fach thing as an inftitutedOecumenical Church; tiere is a Cat! ' ' ' Church, but ihat Notes all thofe that profefs the rue Religion ^- ml there is no inftituted Oecumenical Churchy for ihe everal Chrlllifln Nations are jiot in the fame Covenant -j^hcy are ndeed in the fa-iie fpecial Covenant, but not in the lame individuaj ^venant ^ fo it is here, one Nation may keep Covenant, while thev Nitions braek Covoaaat.^^ Jv.eitber Neither is there any inl..v..i.... .,. vjc^^uni^x. cDiild co'nvcney they have no Autborkf^ their' coriiUi.,;.^. be of feme uf€ to others, bat they have no Antlifority. -A r.ittiuiivi' Synod^ is the higheft Ecclefiafdcal Authority upon Earth.' 1 H A R IX Of the Government of Natto^ rcfoes. SUch Proteftants ss have acknovvledgsi;^, i^k. luucf ' '.^ been divided about the form of Govcrnm^.ii»: lo dc pract^ mongthem \ fome of them are for amixtOoyernment" Arch'Bifhops, and Bii^iOp"??, and partly by Synods^ fo the C England ^ Some have Governed by a Synod alone," fo the Church ov Scotland • and this Government feerns rnoil Confonant to the Word of God, Synods have been generally acknowledged in ml Churches. . but upon diuering grounds, ioaie have founded them upoa that Role'' of prudence, Prov, 1,4. 66, htihe Multhudc of Counf:Ucri th^r- faftty^ but if they be grounded upon this^ they have no other .,..,,. bat to counfel and advife.^ and they can iiave no Authority • all F- -'-^ - fiailical Authority does depend upon an Inftiturion, their Aui.. .: mufl be derived from God. Some do found it upon that Exanii, :. j^B. 15. But this was not prorxiriy a Synod, this was not the tiieei.^ ingof^the Elders of many Churches^ but of the Apqfth of the Church of Jerufakm^ tog-cther with; the Bret' doubt but the Apoftles, who were parc'cf that Affemuiv.. .. ui Powerof aSynod. But the F: n of Synods ' : :iriyt-\t.r pub- lick Covenant, which is between ijod and his Pe.jpie^ pardyhisln. ftitution in the Old Teftament^ and partly the Rules' IM down the Churches to walk by in the New Tedament, I. This Publick Covenant fliew> he whr^itf V:.?ift: Ri - parts. The P.ule and Government dor theChiirch-5 the Church hsth ^ ^^ tto vn h Thas] Originally with all Nations as to their cnil Goverii: ., . . u) ali>, to .Ecckfiaftical, and therefore the Exercife of this Govern r^ mufl: be in th'e hands of fome that do legally repref^-^-'^ ^' < if it be not by fome that reprcferit the whokj " ..i^/ic ies and Eider :> ^! i rcation of the whole ^*uiv.i!. u_ . . .viihaSyiiod, they are either the Elders of the feveral Churches, if the Country be not too Numerous, or fuch as arediofenby the Elders, if the Country be large and numerous and thdearc a legal reprefentatioii of the Churches^ the Elders of the Churches are clTofen to that Office, to be Rulers of the feve ral Churches^ and in cafe there be need. They have Power to M^fi ouL of themfelves, iuch a Company as may conveniently meet '•-!t.h whom tteir Power (hall be emrufted. The Light of 'Nature teaches, chat xm Goverainent muil: be commicted to fuch a Number ^ ^•^ fhall act racapabie by reaibh of thdr Number, to afTembk ^1 "courie together^ for otherwife the Government of the CiiViTch vvviuld not be a thing practicable. ^• Thn:u.t is not with Bifi^ops, they do noc legally repreier. C^tJlrch ; for they are not chofsn by the Church, "^they are not Per- iom ekf^ed bv the Church lo A<5t in their behalf, but are put ioto theii , V, .vii Authority ; and how can the\= v^prefcnr the Church who do nor delire any Authority from the C hmch » and fe- condiy,, tbeir Oifice is not of Divine Inftituticn. and ' ..a they who are not of Divine appointment, legally reprefti.. ..i^ Church ? Thofe whofe Omceis not acknowledged in the I -/^ of Gi legally reprefent the Church of God. "i. Tbi Church "' ''• "^-^mf was Governed by a c-uuijfel of feven- ty two PeffonSv Soa.c aiv of Opinion that the Jews had?botb an Ec- cieiiaitical and a civil Samd^im^ this is evident, that in Chrills time rhey had a Councei that did conCil in a great part of the Priefts, A^. 14. 6/and22. 30. And that God appointed the Priells and other Judges to joyn together in hearing of Controverfics, Deut 19. 17. So alfo that there was an afRrmbly of the chief -of the Priefls and Levites, appointed by Jeho/hapLit to hear Ecclefiaftical cades, 2 Ckon. 19/S: And that the Bigh Prieil was over them in ihofe Ecclefiailical caufes, v. i \. By tbcf^ things it is evident, that ^he Church of i'Jrael wasGoverned by an AlTembiy of the Principal JVlen of the Church. ChriR Jcfus doth approve of their form of feover'n.Tient that was.ia his time, /U.tUh, 23. 2,,^. By Pvkfts, God, Cannot Scribes, Pharifees. By this it is not only evident, that the Govern- rxicnt of a National or Provincial Clrurch, by an Ailembly of its Principal Elaers, is aiproper futeable aud hopeful way, but iikewife :bat this way is to be obferveQ in Chriliian Nations, feeing noo- her Provifion is r.Vddc for their Government 5 many of the ap- 3ointmcnt " t God made for the Jewip) Church, do continue im Dree (iin, nno this among the teftji no other Provifion being made vet m .t U' ai. ;..•. .-•liow'that oiir AfTemblic.^ .r..i(l havv -.i-ylhuu: prefidenc, as the ^empj A&vhh\ks \md chcIrHigb Prielt:/ whovv their preOdent, and ;vui> a Type of Chrift ^ ncicher does it follow that we arc limittcd to the Tame Number that they were, Clrcum- ftances being a fufficient realba tor a variation in fuch cafe^ :r>» The appointment of Chrifl, that Teaching and Ruling Elders fnould Govern the Church, flievvs the Power of Synods ; thefe are appointed by Chrift to be the Rulers of the Church, i Tim. v i^eb. 13. 17. There arc no other appointed to be Rulers of r hc^ Church ilnce the Age of the ApoiUcs-j therefore the Government of ^:lr^ National Church mult be in their hands-, none but they have any Intereil in the Publick Government *, there is no Warrant from the Word of Gcd to iutruflthe Governmeatin the hands of aay others, and there is iufficient Warrant fcf theiii^ to take upon them the Government cf tiie National Churchy and tliis by Vjrtue of tiKir Office. If ther« be a. Publick Co v-^enant, every Church is bound in ConjuudiOii with others • to fee the Covenant kept^ and tht :r Rulers, vHth whom their Power ^ ' iillcu, are bound by Vir- tue of their Office,, to joyn with otheis to fee their Covenant kept; fo that their Acting in a fynod, is not by Virtue of any New Office! A Miniiter by Virtue of his MiniHeriai funftion, hath Power in Conjunction with others, to Govern the National or Pvovincial Church. Obj. If Minifig's have a Bond 'upon them^ to icyy;. with others in the f the. National or Provincial Churchy. then thtjf feem in theiy Perfons to b^ bound to attend that Service ; which :f all i . do inNi- tioKdl Synods^' th^. Synods would he fo large a Body^ thai they could not Uijr.irfe together^ ayid it rvould be aii intolerable frf''^'-^^^' to th'-!"^ Con- yrrr-y^'ny'r ^-^/j-r-j vr-urh -^PWhipA f)f th^i''' Lah0UX^> ^■injv.. rHe Power .^^ ^liUufting ..-.:. ^,^^^^0 wctuaii-u^ '^* and Law of Nature^ there being aiieceillty 0^ ■- - ' ^meat cf Societies, and *' ~ i? uo-neceillr v jH in this cafe^, the neccniiy or Jiumaae ' ..a«iti, government be ;ited with lucri a Naaibti t: ' to advantage to the Pabl'. " :her is t' >ed in guiit h'^ fuch :• n. :::.;od i :r of - it Student arid Holy of the Eid: . )vern I tne h pwjgB.-ra-. li ell according to the mind rf God,, as trie Eiders of a Nation. V4iaww ^>«>.'a''«n> C H-A p. X. * Of the Power qf Synods. T Q. H E Power ot. Syaods doth conilfl principally ia theH things. I . They are to teach the People, thet are to hold forth LigKt iTiito the Church, that was a pare of the work of the Sanedrrm at Jemfatem^ to' teach the People the will of God, Mattb, 2^. 2, : That was the fpecial work of the Levites^ De«i\ 33. TO. That Affembly mentioned, A/^ 15. Met together to give Light to. the People of God. It is v\u> meet; thaK; Syaods do Pi^blifh canfeffions 01 idich^ not only to bear Teltimony to the World, aud other Chriill- ;m Kingdoms, of their acknowledging the Trutlf, but erpeciallj to be a Light unto the Churches, to guide them in the v/ay of Lite, thi*; hath ^^enerally been praftifed by the Synods of the reformed Cliurcbes, They ihould particulatly Vindicate the Troth, and j)eat their eltimony againll thnfe Errors that arc Springing np^ /^^. \%, y:hem j. i.cp''"' of vach degeneracies as bring down the jtidg- tnencs f--^ *' Yet no Man is bound to receive jhe Do- liitrnics, ui i.radiie the Rulc.^ heM forth by a '^'•' •^'5- be- fcaufc ' ■■-} are taught by tnenn, A Synod is not iniauii^ie, and therefore ficrefore no Rule, or Dodiiuv., is tc Jrom rhetn ; Mea do owe that ^^f" ' 'Ordinance of God, foleturdy to v; .thereby, but they are »:,o rt '- •, vve are bo ' to prove ■. hings : cxiie againil: t.hc ^it of rJs own Con \}^ ochervvife d'lcerminedj he gready iini* -d may dired him in 3 wron^ xv "id to any thing that God ha> iKen UT) i it ^0 Man cau be - They arc to bind* and loole, ^ i^fiir Ir^fl^fltr^i rp^^ or to take them oif : ih« fl. ... ■ ; A »^<»^ *»'«^4A iA*-i ..are Power cf fodgment, that to ;..^re may no pu;;, lye upon t^^" '^luuch , if they have not Power of Juu^- <., Particnlai rwiibns -^ "^ ^.--.^.m-^ -, ^ .1.. .-:,...„ .. ^terics^ aad many \ii-^ lu^i. i-uuiuiiuv: le^y the Countrv ' v , ^^^ Efficient vfay tc atuver iDc Laaa tiOni guiic. byaoa^ navc sr to Admonish, to Excorr te^ s ' 'elivcr frairi ti' ires, and every Mai it Icand tc iivj jadgment of iNJcUonal Synod, I They are to Judge in cafe of Cor _ - Perr-^n, judges hiiTifelf wrong^^d- by the lu- _. a partkniiar Chi?.i are to^ake off the fentence and reitoie the; Man nato his pri- viledgt. * ' . ' They arc to judge ia cafe of other Cj.iM;^^-^^^^^* if ^ny Man hith a Complaiat againft another^ -acd ca^irfot ot^sin ahaming or other fcand'alous Corruption. tb.e Synod 4s t. she cafe, and they may not only ceafure \ whole Churches alfo ia cafe of need. and S^ncd'^ opcr'^ -''fiasESB&;i^^ ;;«SK5'iSS* tiiasess»st»^'. ■i*tSI9»*itn»n«*ittti^gatr«aMm^ )»«lw/>c>MMh \ ^r t 1 I .>> ^ n^f" ♦ i