Stom i^t feifitari? of ^ofeefior TTiffiam differ ^ Q. 9. What is meant by the supreme Head- ship of Christ ? A. That He, and He alone, is the King and Head of the Church, and that no other person or persons have any authority to de- cree rites and ceremonies, or institute offices in the Church. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. Psa. ii. 6. OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 9 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1 Pet. v. 3. Even as Christ is the head of the Church. Eph. V. 23. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matt, xxviii. 20. Q. 10. How many kinds of office-bearers did Christ appoint in his Church ? A. Two kinds — extraordinary and ordi- nary officers. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teach- ers. Eph. iv. 11. Q. 11. What were the extraordinary ? A. Persons endowed with supernatural gifts, and extraordinary authority ; as apos- tles, evangelists, prophets. Q. 12. For what purpose were they ap- pointed ? A. To make known the will of Christ, set- tle the constitution of the Church agreeably thereto, and commit the administration of it to ordinary and permanent officers. For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the thin2;s that are wantincr. Tit. i. 5. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faith- ful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim. ii. 2. Q. 13. Had they any successors as extra- ordinary officers ? A. No. We do not read of any having 10 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE been appointed or ordained to succeed them in their higher office as apostles, evangehsts, or prophets. And when ihey had ordained them elckrs in every church. Acts xiv. 23. Q. 14. What are the ordinary Church-offi- cers appointed by Christ ? A. Presbyters or elders, (called also bishops or overseers,) and deacons. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church. Acts xx. 17. To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Philip, i. 1. Q. 15. What is meant by the pastors of the Church ? A. The presbyters or elders, who teach as well as rule. Q. 16. Are any of these possessed of supe- rior rank and authority in the Church above the others ? A. No. They are all of the same order and of equal authority. Q. 17. Are not bishops an order of minis- ters distinct from and superior to presbyters or elders ? A. They are not. Bishop is only another name for the presbyter or elder. Q. IS. How does this appear ? A. (1.) Bishops are not called in any part of the New Testament by any peculiar title to distinguish them from presbyters — none are constituted prelates, or lords over God's heritage ; but on the contrary, bishop or OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 11 Overseer, and presbyter or elder, are applied to the same persons. Thus in Acts xx. 17, those are called " elders," who are afterwards in the 28th verse 'called " overseers," that is bishops ; as the Greek word episcojjoi de- notes. (2.) No where in Scripture are there im- posed on bishops duties or powers distinct from those of presbyters ; no where are their qualifications stated to be different. Thus the apostle reminds Titus, For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest ordain elders in every city. Tit. i. 5. In the next verse he specifies their qualifi- cations as elders ; and in the 7th verse, in enumerating these qualifications, he says, a bishop must be bla7neless, &c. (3.) While the two titles are thus applied to the very same persons — presbyter referring to the rank, bishop to the duties of both — these persons are equal in all respects ; the only material difference that is discoverable being, that a higher degree of honour is to be conceded to those among them, who teach as well as rule. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Tim. v. 17. See also 1 Cor. xii. 28. - (4.) All pastors derive their office and au- thority from Christ, by the same commission, and in the same words. And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, 12 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark xvi. 15. (5.) Since, then, all those who are called presbyters, are also called bishops; and those who are addressed as bishops, are also ad- dressed as presbyters ; since the same rank, powers, qualifications, and duties, are con- nected with both of these designations, it is manifest that they are not separate classes or orders, but one and the same. Therefore the presbyter is the only scriptural bishop. Q. 1 9. What sort of officers were Timothy and Titus ? A. They were extraordinary and itinerant officers. Do the work of an evangelist. Titus (is de- parted) unto Dalmatia. 2 Tim. iv. 5, 10. Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper con- cerning you. 2 Cor. viii. 23. I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. 2 Cor. xii. 18. Q. 20. Does the word angel, as used in reference to the seven churches of Asia, in Revelations, designate an officer superior to the presbyter ? A. The word signifies merely a messenger, and may be applied to the teaching elder, or it may be taken to designate the moderator of the presbytery as the organ of communi- cation ; or it may signify the pastors of the churches in a collective capacity. Some of YOU, that ye, &c. ; among you. Rev. ii. 8, 10, 13, OP THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 13 Q. 21. What is required in a man, to war- rant iiis being ordained to the ministry ? A. He should be renewed by the Holy Ghost ; persuaded in his own mind that he is called to the work of the ministry ; resolved to endure hardship as a soldier of Christ ; sound in the faith ; blameless and holy in the habits of his life ; possess such measure of knowledge, human and divine, as may quahfy him to answer the gainsayer; and such gifts of utterance as may enable him to edify the church. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love. 2 Tim. ii. 13. And the things that thou hast heard of me, the same commit Ihou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim. ii. 2. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, sober, just, holy. Tit. i. 7. Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth out of his treasure things new and old. Matt. xiii. 52. Q. 22. Who has authority to ordain to offices in the Church ? A. A presbytery or plurality of elders. With the laying on of the hands of the presby- tery. 1 Tim. iv. 14. Whom they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. Acts vi. 6. Q. 23. Is there any other permanent office in the Church but that of teaching ? 2 14 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE A. There is also the office of ruling. Salute all them that have the rule over you. Heb. xiii. 24. Q. 24. To whom does it belong to exercise this office ? A. To the presbyters or elders. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider the matter. Acts xv. 6. They deUvered them the decrees for to keep which were ordained of the apostles and elders. \cts xvi. 4. The elders that rule well. 1 Tim. v. 17. Q. 25. How many classes of Elders are there ? A. Two — the Teaching Elder, and the Ruling Elder. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Tim. v. 17. Teachers, helps, governments. 1 Cor. xii. 28. Q. 26. Are these to be regarded as distinct orders of office-bearers, possessing different degrees of authority ? A. No. They are to be regarded as occu- pying different departments of the same gene- ral office, and of equal authority, as rulers^ of the Church. Q. 27. Why are they thus distinguished ? A. Because the one class is ordained not only to rule, but also to teach, and the other to rule, as their distinctive duty. Q. 28. What is the general duty of the Ruling Elders ? OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 15 A. To act along with the Pastor, as ^ helps and governments/ in overseeing the Church, in exercising discipline and rule, and visiting the families and sick members for exhortation and prayer. The Elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an Elder — Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof. 1 Pet. V. 1,2. , Is any sick among you ? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him. James v. 14. Q. 29. Is it a part of the Deacon's office to teach or rule in the Church ? A. No. Deacons are not spoken of any where in Scripture, in connexion with these duties. Q. 30. For what duty were they appointed ? A. To manage the temporal affairs of the Church, and especially to attend to the wants of the poor, in order that the apostles or teachers might give themselves continually to the ministry of the word, Acts vi. 1 — 4. Q. 31. Did not Phihp, who was a Deacon, teach and baptize ? A. Philip became an Evangelist, and as such, had authority to teach and baptize. And we entered into the house of Philip the Evangelist. Acts xxi. 8. Q. 32. Have the members of Churches the ^ht of choosir office-bearers ? right of choosing their own Pastors and other 16 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE A. Yes. Churches have this privilege in common with all other free Societies. And the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen. Acts vi. 6. Who was also chosen of the Churches to travel with us with this grace, &c. 2 Cor. viii. 19. Q. 33. How should Christians discharge this duty ? A. In a spirit of meekness, humility, peace, and prayer, with a supreme regard to the glory of Christ, and the spiritual interests of the Church, without partiality, or respect of persons. Let nothing be done through strife or vain- glory ; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Phil. ii. 3. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. X. 31. CHAPTER n. THE SUCCESSION OP MINISTERS, AND THE NOTION OF APOSTOLICAL SUCCESS:^ON. Question 1. Had the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ any successors in their office ? Answer. They had : not however as apos- tles, for none could be an apostle except such as had seen the Lord, — but as ministers, in preaching the word and administering the OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 17 Sacraments, and taking the oversight. 2 Tim. iii. 2. Acts xiv. 23. Q. 2. As distinct from Deacons, what are these spiritual office-bearers called ? A. They are sometimes called Bishops, that is, overseers of the flock — sometimes Presbyters, which means elders. They are elders by station, and overseers by its duties, but they are of one order — not two. Acts XX. 17—28. Tit. i. 5—7. Q. 3. How were they ordained or set apart to their office ? A. By the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. 1 Tim. iv. 14. Acts xiii. 1. Q. 4. What is the practice of those Churches which unscripturally assert that bishops and presbyters are two separate orders ? A. Their practice is to set apart one class of men by what they call consecration, and another by simple ordination. Q. 5. Is there any rule or example in the New Testament for these two separate modes of setting apart ministers to their office ? A. There is none. Q. 6. Is it not of importance that there should be a regular succession of scripturally appointed ministers ? A. Yes ; as a matter of order, it is seemly in the Church of Christ, but not essential to the salvation of souls. Q. 7. Why is it not essential ? A. Because a broken succession can never frustrate the efficacy of the word of God, and 2* 18 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE an unbroken succession can never sanctify " the doctrines of devils." Q. 8. Who are they that rest all efficacy and salvation on what they call Apostolical Succession — that is, a derivation of their min- isterial office through prelate-bishops from the hands of the apostles ? A. The Popish Church, and a large party in the prelatic Churches of England, of Ire- land, and in Scotland and America. Q. 9. Seeing these impute so much to it, can they prove from history that such a thing as unbroken succession exists among them? A. Their assumption requires this at their hand ; but though they affect to do this, yet they cannot. Their pretended catalogues are spurious or defective : for, 1st, There is no good evidence that the apostle Peter, from whom they pretend to derive their succes- sion, was bishop of Rome, or that he ever visited that city ; 2d, There is no good evi- dence as to who v/ere the chief pastors of the church there for the first two or three gene- rations; and, 3d, There is the clearest evi- dence which history can afford, that, in sub- sequent times, the succession was broken in numerous instances, and in innumerable ways. That it is " unbroken " is a popish fable. Q. 10. Is not such a claim still farther in- vahdated on protcstant grounds ? A. Most certainly it is; for if, as Protest- ants maintain, the Popish Church has become OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 19 an apostate church, its office-bearers have plainly lost their Master's commission, and they cannot impart it to others : or if they can impart it, we must also admit that they can recall it. Now, all Protestant bishops have been repeatedly excommunicated and deposed by the Romish Church ; how then can they claim succession from it ? There- fore, if Protestant clergy teach their people that all legitimate authority, necessarily and exclusively accompanies such "succession," the people are, on this principle, clearly bound to leave them, and return to the authority of Rome, which these clergy, on the one hand, foolishly acknowledge, and, on the other hand, inconsistently disobey. Q. 11. Is this notion of unbroken succes- sion objected to by us, because we are unable to advance any similar claim ? A. No : but because we regard it as idle and unscriptural. The apostle, when ground- less pretensions were to be met, could say, ^'Whereinsoever any is hold {I speak fool- ishly) I am hold also. Are they Hebrews ? So am I. Are they Israelites ? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham ? So am /. After the same manner, we are allowed to say, if any protestant communions may claim such a succession, the Presbyterian Church may. Q. 12. How so? A. Seeing that at the Reformation, her ministers were ordained by Popish Bishops, and seeing that all her ministers are them- 20 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE selves his/iopSy as before shewn ; the likeli- liood that their succession would be after- wards broken, is less than it is in a church where only one minister, say in Jive hundred, is acknowledged to be a bishop, with power o( transmitting it. In times of confusion it might be lost among Prelate-Bishops, and yet preserved among Presbyter or Parochial Bishops. Q. 13. But are we to rest or to glory in this? A. No, certainly : we are to look for proofs that our ministers are sent of God, in other things than in this, which is at best unprofit- able and vain. Q. 14. What evils arise from the assertion, by Protestant clergy, that " unbroken succes- sion'' is necessary to salvation, and from their assumption of the claim? A. Great evils are apt to arise. It goes to unchurch themselves; because when what they assume and pronounce to be necessary to constitute a church, is historically dis- proved, they by consequence pronounce them- selves excluded from the ministry, and their people from salvation. It tends to exalt the authority of man above that of God j tradi- tion above scripture ; points that are inditler- ent above truths that are essential. It fosters pride among the clergy, and exasperates dif- ferences among Protestants. It strengthens Popery, because it concedes one of its most arrogant demands; and it strengthens infi- delity, because, when ministers of the gospel OF THE PRESBYTERIAy CHURCH. 21 maintain dogmas, which, on being slightly sifted, are fourjd to ha so foolish and fictitious as this, they impair their own credit in pro- claiming to men facts and doctrines which are founded in truth and necessary to sal- vation. CHAPTER III. THE CONSTITUTION AND JURISDICTION OF CHURCH COURTS. Question 1. What is the nature and ex- tent of that authority which Christ has given to the rulers of the Church? Answer. It is merely ministerial and sub- ordinate. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy. 2 Cor. i. 24. Q. 2. What is meant by ministerial au- ' thority ? A. It is authority, as ministers or servants of Christ, to proclaim, apply, and execute his laws for promoting the order and spiritual edification of the Church. Q. 3. What is meant by subordinate au- thority ? A. It is the subjection of the inferior to the superior Courts of the Lord's house — as of 22 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE Session to I^l'esbytery, and of Presbytery to Synod, and of all to Christ. Q, 4. How is this rule or authority exer- cised ? A. By the Presbyters or Elders assembled in Session, Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter. Acts xv. 6. Q. 5. What is a Church Session ? A. It is the minister (who teaches and rules) along with the Ruling Elders of any particular congregation met together as a Church Court. The Minister acts as Mode- rator or President ; and the Court thus formed may be called a Congregational Presbytery. This court, with the superior judicatures, is founded on the model of the more ancient synagogue courts, for purposes of govern- ment and discipline. Thou shall provide out of all the people able men, and place such over them to be rulers. Exo- dus xviii. 21. If thy brother trespass against thee, and if he neglect to hear thee, tell it to the church. Matt, xviii. 15 — 17. See also 1 Cor. v. 4, 13. Q. 6. Who are subject to the authority of Session ? A. All the members of the church of which it has the oversight. Q. 7. What is the duty of each church or congregation towards the Session .'* A. To respect and uphold that authority OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 23 which is given it by Christ ; to render a cheer- ful obedience to its decisions in the Lord ; and cordially co-operate in the plans of use- fulness which it recommends. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. And esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thess. v. 12, 13, Q. 8. Of what does a Presbytery consist ? A. Of the Ministers of a convenient dis- trict, with a Ruling Elder from each congre- gation. Q. 9. What is the extent of its jurisdic- tion ? A. It extends to its own members, and to the several sessions and congregations be- longing to it. It is a Court of Appeal from Sessions, and has the general oversight of the congregations under its care. An appeal lies from its decision to the Synod. Q. 10. Of what does a Synod consist? A. It consists of the Ministers of three or more Presbyteries with a Ruling Elder to re- present each Session. In some branches of the Presbyterian church the Synod is the su- preme court of jurisdiction ; but in other, more numerous and extended churches, such as those of Scotland, of Ireland, and of the United States, there is also a General Assem- bly, composed of a specific number of Minis- ters and Ruling Elders, appointed by the Presbyteries. Q. 11. Does the New Testament furnish 24 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE any model of Presbyterian government by such Church Courts ? A. It does, in the xv. chapter of Acts. Q. 12. How does the xv. chapter of Acts establish that form of church government ? A. The facts therein recorded for our ex- ample, furnish its outhne or general principles. In the church at Antioch, a question was dis- puted, affecting the faith and practice of all the churches of Christ. Ver. 1, 2 : It was referred for settlement, to an assembly to be convened at Jerusalem. Ver. 2 : The as- sembly consisted of the rulers of the church, but was open to the people. Ver. 6, 12 : It acted in a deliberative capacity. Ver. 7, 12, 13: It decided, not by direct inspiration, but by discussion and consideration, under the ordinary guidance of the Holy Ghost. Ver. 7, 22, 28 : One member of the assembly pro- posed a resolution, which was unanimously adopted as its decision on the question. Ver. 19, 22 : The decree thus enacted, was autho- ritative, and extended to all the churches. Ver. 28 ; and xvi. 4 : These principles are applied in government, with all the necessary and expedient details, to particular congrega- tions, by the Session ; to the churches of a convenient district, by the Presbytery; and 10 the whole Church, by Synod, or General Assembly. Let all things be done decently, and in order. 1 Cor. xiv. 40. OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 25 CHAPTER IV. DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH. Question 1. What is the Scriptural cha- racter of a Christian church ? Answer. It is a society of persons sepa- rated from the rest of mankind to the ser- vice of God. They are not of the world. John xvii. 16. Q. 2. By what means is this character to be preserved ? A. By the faithful exercise of a Scriptural discipline. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump. 1 Cor. v. 7. (See context.) Q. 3. What should be the conduct of a Church Court in exercising discipline ? A. It should be, 1st, Orderly. Let all things be done decently, and in order. 1 Cor. xiv. 40. 2d. Meek. Restore such an one m the spirit of meekness. Gal. vi. 1. 3d. Solemn, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God. 1 Pet. iv. 11. 4th. Impartial. 26 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE Doing nothing by partiality. 1 Tim. v. 21. Q. 4. When is a person to be regarded as making a credible profession of faith in Christ, and to be admitted to the Commu- nion ? A. Tiiat man is to be viewed as making a credible profession of religion, who manifests an acquaintance with the leading doctrines of the gospel, who declares himself a believer in these doctrines, who professes that, so far as he can judge, his heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, and who maintains a con- duct and conversation becoming the Gospel. With the heart man believeth unto righteous- ness ; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom. x. 10. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes ; and was baptized. Acts xvi. 33. Bring forth, therefore, fruits worthy of repent- ance. Luke iii. 8. Q. 5. But did not the apostles receive per- sons into the Church by baptism, without waiting for any evidence of the credibility of their profession ? A. All who then joined the Church, did so at the risk of liberty, property, and life ; and this of itself was a most satisfactory evidence of their sincerity in malting such profession. Q. 6. Do the members of the Church, after their admission, continue subject to the au- thority of the Rulers ? A. Yes. Such authority on the one part, OP THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 27 and obedience on the other, are most plainly sanctioned by the law of Christ. Do not ye judge them that are within 1 But them that are without, God judgeth. 1 Cor. v. 12, 13. Obey them that have the rule over you. Heb. xiii. 17. Q. 7. For what offences are members liable to trial, and Church censure ? A. It would be wrong to subject a member to Church censure, or even trial, for every misdemeanour ; but they are to be subjected, for, — (1.) Errors in doctrine. A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject. Tit. iii. 10. (2.) Immorality in practice. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph. v. 11. See also, Rev. ii. 20. (3.) Despising the authority, or or- der, OR ordinances of the church. Now we command you, brethren, in the name [of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw your- selves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 2 Thess. iii. 6. (4.) Neglecting the public, domestic, OR SECRET duties OF RELIGION. Not forsakinij the assembling of ourselves to- gether, as the manner of some is. Heb. x. 25. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know 28 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE thee not, and upon the families that call NOT ON THY NAME. Jer. X. 25. (5.) Slothful idleness. If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Tim. v. 8. (Finally.) The violation of any clear Scripture precept or ecclesiastical or- dinance. The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, &c., &c. 1 Tim. i. 9. Q. 8. Does not Scripture attach a solemn importance to the censures of the Church ? A. Yes. For the sentence, when pro- nounced according to Christ's law, is ratified in heaven ; and if the individual be wholly "cut off" from the Church, he is dehvered up to Satan, the god of this world, as a sub- ject of his visible kingdom. Verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven ; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Matt, xviii. 18. To deliver such an one unto Satan. 1 Cor. v. 5. Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Tim. i. 20. Q. 9. What is the duty of those who have been judged worthy of censure ? A. To humble themselves under it, — to OP THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 29 submit to it, to repent and do their first works. Behold this self same thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what careftilness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge. 2 Cor. vii. 11. Submit yourselves. Heb. xiii. 17. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Rev. ii. 5. Q. 10. Is it lawful ever to restoVe to the communion of the Church one who has been suspended, or cut off? A. Yes, it is. Whenever sufficient evi- dence has been afforded of repentance and reformation, he may be restored. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one, in the spirit of meekness. Gal. vi. 1. , Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them. John xx. 23. Q. 11. Are any censures to be made public ? A. Yes, such as are occasioned by offences which from their magnitude and publicity, are calculated to bring scandal on the Church. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Cor. ii. 6. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 1 Tim. v. 20, Q. 12. Does any sentence of the Church 3* 30 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE exclude an individual from hearing the gospel preached ? A. No. It is to be preached to the most guilty, (See 1 Cor. xiv. 25 ;) and it is espe- cially the duty of such to attend on the min- istration of the Word. Q. 13. Is injury done to the people of God, by the neglect of discipline in the Church ? A. Yes. When the Church is not kept pure, godly persons will be deterred from joining it. But now I have written unto you, not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one, no, not to eat. 1 Cor. v. 11. I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 1 Cor. x. 20. And those in the Church who are, or may become, pious, will be obliged to separate from it. Comfe out of her, my people, that ye be not par- takers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev. xviii. 4. Q. 14. Is injury done to the sinner by such neglect ? A. Yes. By it he will be confirmed in his carelessness, self-deception, and sin. They have seduced my people, saying. Peace; and there was no peace. With lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad ; and strengthen the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life. Ezek, xiii. 10, 22. OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 31 Q. 15. May not a church so far apostatize by the neglect of discipHne, as to cease to be a church of Christ, and become a synagogue of Satan ? A. Yes. This has sometimes happened. I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Rev. ii. 9. Them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews. Rev. iii. 9. Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Rev. iii. 16. Q. 16. What benefits may arise to the offender from the exercise of discipline } A. By this he sees sin to be evil and shameful. If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 2 Thess. iii. 14. And if he receive the censure in a proper spirit, it has a powerful tendency to humble, reclaim, and edify him. Now I rejoice not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance, for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be re- pented of. 2 Cor. vii. 9, 10. Q. 17. What benefits arise to the Church from the faithful exercise of discipline ? A. (1.) Hereby sinners are discouraged from hypocritically joining the Church, and the leaven which might infect the whole lump is purged out. 32 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump. 1 Cor. v. 7. (2.) The number of her true converts is increased. As they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Jeru- salem ; and so were the Churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Acts xvi. 4, 5. And great fear came upon all the Church, and upon as many as heard these things. And of the rest, durst no man join himself to them ; but the people magnified them. And believers were the MORE ADDED to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Acts y. 11, 13, 14. (3.) Her holiness is manifested. Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. John ii. 16. (4.) The honour of her Head is vindicated. The heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. Ezek. xxxvi. 23. (5.) And God's gracious presence and bles- sing secured. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, and be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. Q. 18. But may not the offender, by the exercise of discipline, be led to forsake the OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 33 a preaching of the Gospel, and thus become more hardened ? A. As discipline is an ordinance of God, we must expect the neglect rather than the exercise^ of it to harden the sinner ; but if, in his pride and obstinacy, he disregard the ad- vantages which flow from it, when received in a right spirit, the rulers of the Church are not to be deterred from their duty, any more than the minister of the Gospel from preach- ing, because many are hardened by it, and have their guilt and danger increased. To the one we are the savour of death unto death ; and to the other the savour of life unto life. 2 Cor. ii. 15. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 19. Q. 19. Are the rulers of the Church deeply responsible for the right exercise of disci- pline ? A. They who hold office by appointment from Christ, whose faithfulness will be folio w- edlDy so many and great blessings, whose neg- ligence must be the source of such deep and lasting injuries to the Church, dishonour to Christ, and evil to sinners — should feel them- selves under a most solemn responsibility, in this matter, and must expect to be called to a most strict account, at the day of judgment, for the part which they act, in relation to it. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Pet. v. 4. Obey them that have the rule over you, and sub- 34 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE mit yourselves ; for they watch for your souls, as they tliot must give account; that they may do it with joy and not with grief. Heb. xiii. 17. CHAPTER V. THE VOLUNTARY AND LEGAL MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDINANCES. Question 1. Is it the duty of Christians to contribute of their substance to the mainten- ance of rehgious ordinances ? Answer. It is both their duty and their privilege. Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord ; whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord ; gold, and silver, and brass. Exod. xxxv. 5. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Gal. vi. 6. See also 1 Cor. ix. 3 — 15. Q. 2. In what spirit is such contribution to be made ? A. It is to be made freely, bountifully, thankfully, and devoutly. He shall offer of his own voluntary will. Lev. i. 3. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also spar- ingly ; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 35 and will call upon the name of the Lord. Psa. cxvi. 17. Q. 3. In circumstances and places where the ordinances and ministry of the pure gos- pel are already sufficiently provided for, are Christians, for this reason, to withhold their contributions ? A. No : they ought, in such case, to mul- tiply them in behalf of the heathen and others who have not obtained the same advantage : and thus the gospel of Jesus Christ will be extended, till all nations shall serve him. Q. 4. Ought rulers and nations, as such, to protect the people in the free and full exer- cise of their religious privileges ? A. Yes: because rulers derive their au- thority from God, and therefore they are bound to use it for his glory : Prov. viii. 15. Nations, also, receive from him national bles- sings, and therefore they are bound to render imto him national service : Jer. xviii. 7, 10. Q. 5. Have you any other reasons to ad- duce ? A. Yes. Because the Lord Jesus Christ is, as Mediator, King of kings, and therefore these, officially as well as personally, are re- quired to bow to his sceptre, and to maintain his cause. Rev. xix. 16. Psa. ii. 2. Because the end of civil government is, not only to repress what is evil, but to cherish what is good : Rom. xiii. 4. 3d. Because wherever the religion of Christ, especially in its pure Presbyterian form, has 36 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE been so maintained, there society has been more orderly, virtuous, and enlightened, than otherwise. Q. 6. Is it proper or expedient for a gov- ernment to endow and support any particu- lar form of religion ? A. No. Experience has demonstrated that such establishments are oppressive to con- science, partial, liable to great abuse, injuri- ous to the spirituality of the Church, by making it a mere appendage to the state. CHAPTER VI. OBJECTION TO OTHER CHURCHES. Question 1. Is not the Presbyterian Church properly denominated Protestant ? Answer. It is. Because, in common with other Reformed Churches, it professes to ad- here to the solemn protest which was taken by the Reformers of the sixteenth century, against the errors and corruptions of the Church of Rome. Q. 2. What are some of those errors in that Church, against which the Reformed Churches protest ? A. They protest, among many other things, against the doctrine of the Pope's supremacy. Matt, xxiii. 8, 11. Eph. ii. 19, 20. They OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CKURCII. 37 protest against the doctrine of the infaUibilify of the Church. Acts xvii. 11. 2 Cor. i. 24. Against the doctrine of transubstantiation, and the sacrifice of the mass. Acts iii. 20, 21. Heb. ix. 24 — 28. x. 12—14. Against the doctrine that the good worlds of the saints are meritorious in the sight of God. Isa. Ixiv. 6. Eph. ii. 8, 9. Rom. xi. 6. Against the doctrine of purgatory, and that prayers ought to be offered for the dead. Luke xvi. 22, 23. xxiii. 43. 2 Cor. v. 8. 1 John i. 7. Rev. xiv. 13. Against the doctrine that saints, images, and reUcs, ought to be wor- shipped. Exod. XX. 4, 5. Rev. xix. 10. xxii. S, 9. Against the doctrine, that the Scrip- tures ought not to be read by the laity. Deut. vi. 6, 7. Matt. xxii. 29. John v. 39. Against the doctrine, that cehbacy, and absti- nence from certain kinds of meat, are con- nected with exalted piety, and superior sanc- tity of character. Lev. xxi. 10, 13. 1 Cor. vh. 2. 1 Tim. iv. 3. iii. 2. 1 Cor. viii. 8. The Presbyterian Reformed Churches bear their testimony against these and many other errors of the Church of Rome, as being anti- Christian, and destructive to the souls of men. Q. 3. In what hght do Presbyterians view Protestant Established Churches, such as those of England and Ireland? A. They regard them as Churches of Christ ; but, at the same time, so unscriptural in their constitution and administration, as to oblige them to maintain a separate com- munion. 3S GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE Q. 4. What is there in the constitution and administration of these Churches, to which Presbyterians object ? A. 1. They object to the power and au- thority, in spiritual matters, which these churches declare to be vested in the supreme magistrate, whether male or female : " That the king hath full power and authority to hear and determine all manner of causes ecclesiastical, and reform and correct all vice, sins, errors, heresies, whatsoever." 2. They object to these Churches, that, ac- cording to their constitution, the Parliament of the nation, consisting of Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Independents, Quakers, Pap- ists, and Infidels, have the power of deter- mining how many prelates, and pastors, they shall have. 3. They object, that in consequence of this control and authority which these Churches concede to the civil government in religious things, they are rendered incapable of re- forming, purifying, or extending themselves, or correcting any errors or abuses in their system. 4. Holding, as Presbyterians do, that Christ has ordained in his word, all the institutions which his infinite wisdom judged necessary for the edification of his spiritual body, and has taught the best possible manner in which they are to be administered and observed, they object to the power claimed by these Churches to decree rites and ceremonies in the worship of God, and to alter the mode OF THE PRESEYTEKIAN CHURCH. 39 in which he has appointed his own institu- tions to be observed. Prov. xxx. 6. Rev. xxii. IS. Q. 5. What objections have Presbyterians to the Episcopal Church in general ? A. They cannot assent to such ceremonies as the following, which this Church has de- creed, and which have no warrant in Scrip- ture : — The numerous festivals appointed and observed by this Church, — sponsors in bap- tism, — the practice of sponsors making vows in the name of the child, and of taking on them obligations which cannot in the nature of things be fulfilled, and which parents alone can fulfil, — using the sign of the cross in bap- tism, — confirmation by a prelate, — bowing at the name Jesus, — kneeling at the Lord's Supper, — the private administration of the Lord's Supper, — consecration of churches, burying grounds, and the sacramental ele- ments, — the superstitious use made of the bread and wine remaining after the com- munion, — and the absolution of the sick. Matt. XV. 9. Q. 6. As some of these ceremonies appear unimportant in themselves, why is the ob- servance of them a ground of serious ob- jection ? A. Because such observance encourages superstition and will-worship ; is opposed to the sufliiciency of the Scriptures, as the only rule of faith and practice ; and upholds the unscriptural and pernicious principle, that men may innocently and profitably add to 40 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE the institutions of Christ, and the terms of communion in his Church. Col. ii. 20,23. Q. 7. Have Presbyterians any further ob- jections to the Episcopal Church ? A. Yes. They cannot approve of ' The Book of Common Prayer,' considering that the use of it tends to prevent the exercise of spiritual gifts, and induce formality and dead- ness in devotion ; and that, in its general form and construction, it is imperfect and er- roneous, containing useless repetitions, — un- suitable petitions, — lessons from the Apo- crypha, — a confused and irregular arrange- ment of the prayers, — and bears so general a resemblance to the mass-book, from which many of its prayers are taken. They object to the exercise of Church gov- ernment, and the power of ordination being vested exclusively in prelates. 1 Tim. iv. 14. They cannot admit the doctrine, distinctly taught in the Prayer Book, that by water- baptism an infant is ' regenerated,' ' made a member of Christ,' and ' the child of God.' Jas. i. IS; 1 Pet. i. 23. They lament the extreme laxity of these churches, in reference to discipline. Q. 8. In what light do Presbyterians view those Churches called Independent, or Con- gregational? A. They regard all of them who profess what are termed the doctrines of grace, as being also churches of Christ ; but object to their peculiar constitution, — the principle of which is, that particular congregations are OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 41 Churches independent of each other, and not subordinate to superior courts, and that all the members of the Church have authority to exercise government, and to vote in every case of disciphne on which the Church is called to decide. Q. 9. Why do they object to this system of Church government ? A. (1.) It is inconsistent with the oneness of the Church, as founded on the oneness of her Divine Head, — her faith, — her baptism, and the whole system of her laws and ordinances, and with the description given of her in Scrip- ture, by allusion to the human body, 1 Cor. xii. 12, 26, 27 ; to a kingdom, John xviii. 36 ; and to an army under one commander, Rev. XX. 9. (2.) It is opposed to the constitution of the primitive Church. (See chapter I, question 3, section 4.) (3.) It confounds the distinction plainly ex- pressed in Scripture, between the rulers of the Church, and those who are ruled. Heb. xiii. 17, 24. (4.) Because of the disadvantages to which it is liable. Firsts From the undue control which people have it in their power to exercise over their pastor. Should he, by faithfully preach- ing some truth dishked by them, or by re- proving some sin to which they were ad- dicted, give any offence, or should the people at any time take a fancy for another preacher, 4 * 42 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE he is liable at once to be expelled from his oifice. Second, From the want of any court of review to which an individual might appeal, in case of being aggrieved in judgment, through prejudice or party feeling, or impro- per influence in the congregation of which he is pastor or member, Acts xv. 2. Thwd, From the inability of separate con- gregations to accomphsh one of the most im- portant purposes for which the Church has been established on earth, — that is, to extend the kingdom of Christ. Independents, when making eff'orts to propagate the gospel, are obhged to act, not in the character of a Church, but as members of promiscuous so- cieties. CONCLUSION. Q. 10. What then are the general conside- rations which should attach Presbyterians with zealous affection to their own church ? A. Its Scripture character, its freedom from those many and weighty objections which lie against other systems, and the religious pri- vileges and advantages which its members enjoy. Q. 11. What are these privileges and ad- vantages? A. Having the right of choosing their own pastors and rulers, — freedom from des- potic power on the one liand, and anarchy OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 43 on the other, in the government of their Church — the means and opportunities of bringing before the rulers of the church, for mvestigation and judgment, unfaithfuhiess in Ministers and Elders, offences of Church members, and errors in doctrine, — the privi- lege and power of appeal from one Church Court to another, when their rights as citizens of Zion are injured or assailed ; and such an ecclesiastical constitution and arrangement of their church, that it contains within itself the capacity of reforming abuses and errors, and has the best machinery for extending the boundaries of the Redeemer's kingdom, and perfecting the body of Christ. Q. 12. How should Presbyterians employ and improve these privileges ? A. They should use them thankfully and faithfully for their own edification, — the bringing other churches to conformity to the laws of Christ's house, and for prosecuting Missionary labours in their own land, and throughout the world, until all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God. THE END. %. j':^ ^^^** 1 w'W'V**^? Date Due M^^^ m -■:]gsmA^ fc^jiinii*^ m U.^ 'wmiftij^Kfi ' { \ 9 1 1 f) i f^ f ^\