THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, To which is committed the Keys of the Kingdome of Heaven.
Wherein is demonstrated by way of Question and Answer, what a visible Church is, according to the order of the Gospel: And what Officers, Members, Worship, and Government Christ hath ordained in the New Testament.
By that Reverend and learned Divine Mr. Jo. Cotton, B.D. and Teacher of the Church at Boston in New-England.
The Third Edition: More exactly corrected, the Marginall proofes in the former Edition misplaced, being herein placed more directly; and many other faults both in the Line and Margent, are here Corrected.
Thou Sonne of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities, and let them measure the patterne. And if they hee ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the forme of the house, and the fashion therof, and the goings out thereof, and the commings in thereof, and all the formes thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the formes thereof, and all the lawes thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may learn the whole forme thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and doe them.
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the waies and see, and aske for the old, paths, &c.
They shall aske the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, let us joyne our selves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant, that shall not be forgotten.
London, Printed for Ben: Allen, and are to be sold in Popes-head Alley. 1644.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHVRCH, And its GOVERNMENT.
1 Question, WHat is the Church of the New Testament?
Answer. The Church is a mysticall bodyEphes. 5.30, 31, 32. 1 Cor. 12.27. Rom. 12.4, 5., whereof Christ is the HeadEphes. 1.22. & 5.23., the Members be Saints1 Cor. 1.2, 9. & 14.23, 33. Col. 1.2, 12. & 2.5. 1 Thes. 1.1, 3, 7. & 2.14. Act. 17.1, 4., called out of the world1 Cor. 1.2, 9. & 5.10, 11, 12. 2 Cor. 6.16, 17. Joh. 15.19. 1 Kin. 8.53. Levit. 20.25, 26. Act. 19.1, 8, 9., and united together into one Congregation1 Cor. 11.18, 20. & 14.23, 33, 34. & 16.1, 16., by an holy CovenantExod. 19 5, 6. & 24.3, 7 Deut. 5.2, 27. with Act. 7.38. Deut. 29.1, 9. to 25. Jer. 50.5. Amos 3.3. Isa. 62.5. with Mal. 2.14., to worship the Lord, and to edifie one another, in all his holy OrdinancesAct. 2.42. 1 Cor. 9.2. Mat. 28.19, 20. Joh. 25.14..
2 Qu. What sort of members Rom. 12.4, 5. 1 Cor. 12 14. to 27. hath God set in his Church?
Ans. Some that are Ministers1 Cor. 4.1. Ephes. 4.12. Col. 4.17. Rom. 12 7. or Officers1 Tim. 3.1, 10, 13. Rom. 11.13. in the Church; others commonly called by the generall name, [Page 2] which belongeth to all the Members, BrethrenAct 15.22, 23. Col. 1.2. Rom. 16.17, 23. and SaintsCol. 1.2. 1 Cor. 14.33..
3 Qu. What sorts of Ministers or Officers hath God set in his Church?
Ans. Some extraordinary, as Apostles, Prophets and EvangelistsEphes. 4.11. 1. Cor 12.28.: Some ordinary and perpetuall, as Bishops and DeaconsPhil. 1.1. 1 Tim 3.1, 2, 8..
4 Qu. What manner of men are to be called to the Office of a Bishop, or Elder of the Church?
Ans. A Bishop or Elder of the Church, must be in himselfe a blamelesse man for holinesse and righteousnesse, and for freedome from passions and lusts: Also a vigilant man, and of good behaviour. Moreover, hee must be in his family a man of good government, and of good hospitality: In his name, a man of good report, even of those that are without: In his profession, not a young plant, but holding fast the faithfull word; apt to teach it, and able to maintaine it1 Tim. 2.2. to 7. Tit. 1.6. to 9..
5 Qu. What sorts of Bishops or Elders hath God ordained in his Church?
Ans. Of Bishops, who were also called Elders, God hath ordained two sorts, Ruling Elders, and such as labour in the word and doctrine1 Tim. 5.17 1 Cor 12 28. Rom. 12.7, 8. Act. 20.28. Tit. 1.5, 7., commonly called Pastors Ephes. 4.11. and Teachers Act. 14.23. & 20.17, 28. Phil. 1.1. Tit. 1.5.7.: all of them are to watch over one certaine Flocke, the Church of a particular Congregation d.
6 Qu. What is the office, or worke of the Pastors and Teachers?
Answ. The Pastors speciall workeSpeciall work. is to attend upon Exhortation, and therein to dispense a word of Wisdome: The Teacher is to attend upon Doctrine, and therein to dispense a word of KnowledgeRom. 12.7, 8. 1 Cor. 12.8..
7 Qu. What is the office, or work of the Ruling Elders?
An. Seeing the Kingdom of Christ is not of this world, but heavenly and SpirituallIohn 18.36., and the Government of his Kingdome is not Lordly, but Stewardly and MinisteriallMat 20.25, 26. Luk. 12.42. 1 Cor. 4 1., and to labour in the Ministery of Exhortation and Doctrine, is the proper worke of the Pastor and Teacher1 Tim. 5.17. Rom. 12.7, 8, it remaineth therefore to bee the part and Office of the Ruling Elders, to assistor joyne with the Pastor and Teacher in diligent attendance unto all other acts of rule besides, as becometh good Stewards of the houshold of God1 Tim. 3.5. & 5.17. Rom. 12.8. 1 Thes. 5.12.. As,
First, to open and shut the Doores of Gods House,Mat. 16.19. 2 Chron. 23.19. by admission of MembersActs 17.28, 29 Ezek. 22.26., by Ordination of Officers1 Tim. 4 14. Acts 6.2.3, 5., Excommunication of notorious & obstinate offendersMat. 16.19. & 18.17, 18.. Secondly, to see that none in the Church live either inordinately without a calling, or idlely in their calling2 Thes. 3.6.10, 11, 12.. Thirdly, to prevent and heale such offences in life and doctrine, as might corrupt either their owne ChurchRevel. 2.4, 14 15.20., or other Churches, if their counsell be requiredActs 15.2, 6.. Fourthly, to prepare matters before-hand for the Churches considerationActs 21.18, 19. Pro. 24.27.. And fiftly, to moderate the carriage of all matters in the Church assembledActs 6.2, 3. Heb. 13.7.17., as to propound matters to the Church, and to order the season of speech and silence in the ChurchAct. 13.15.. Sixtly, to feede the Flock of God with a word of admonition1 Thes. 5.12. Acts 20.28.31. Admonition is an act of rule, if set on with authority, Gen. 19.7, 8., and as they shall be called for to visit and pray over their sick BrethrenJam. 5.14..
8. Qu. What manner of men hath God appointed to be called to the Deacons office?
An. Men of gravity and of good report, not given to dissembling, nor to wine; nor given to covetousnesse, full of the Holy Ghost and wisedome, and holding fast the mystery of Faith in a pure Conscience; keeping their houses in good rule, and enjoying such Wives, as may neither dishonour nor corrupt their Office; no slanderers, but grave and sober, and faithfull in all things1 Tim. 3.8. to 12. Act. 6.3..
9. Qu. What is the Office of the Deacons?
An. To receive the offerings of the Church brought [Page 4] unto them and laid downe before themAct 4.34, 35, and therewith to serve TablesActs 6.2., distributing with simplicityRom. 12.8., not only to the Ministers of the ChurchGal. 6, 6. in Gr. [...] put into the the common sto [...]k., but to any other of the Brethren, as they shall have needeActs 4.35..
10. Qu. But is it not the Office of Deacons to shew mercy with cheerefulnesse?
An. Yes verily, to their Brethren in miseryRom. 12.8., but that part of their Office they do chiefly performe by the hand of the Widowes, chosen into their number, who are therfore called the Deacons or Servants of the ChurchRom. 16.1..
11. Qu. What manner of Widowes hath God allowed to bee taken into this number?
An. Antient women of sixty yeares of age, well reported of for good workes, for nourishing their Children, for lodging of Strangers, for washing the Saints feet, for relieving the afflicted, for following diligently every good worke1 Tim. 5.9, 10.,
12. Qu. What manner of men hath God appointed to bee received as Brethren and Members of his Church?
An. Such as are called of God out of the world to the fellowship of ChristRom. 1.6, 7. 1 Cor. 1.2.9. Act. 2.38, 39, 40, 41, 47., and doe willingly offer and joyne themselves first to the LordActs 9.26. Psal. 110.3. Isa. 1 56.6, 7. Ier. 50.5., and then to the ChurchActs 2.41.47. & 8.26, 27, 28., by confessing of their sinsMat. 3.6. Acts 19.18., by profession of their FaithAct. 8.36, 37., and by taking or laying hold of his CovenantIsa. 56.6, 7..
13. Qu. What is the Office or duty which God calleth the Brethren unto, the members of the Church?
Ans. To brotherly love1 Pet. 2.17. & 3.8. Col. 3.14. 1 Thes. 4.9. Heb. 13.1., and to the fruits thereof, Brotherly unityEph. 4.3. Psal. 13.3. 1 Col. 3.15. Acts 7.26., Brotherly equality2 Cor. 8.14. Mat. 23.8. Deut. 7.20., and Brotherly communionActs 2.42. & 4.32..
14. Qu. Wherein standeth the Brotherly unity wee are to hold one with another?
Ans. To be perfectly joyned together in one mind, and one judgement, and one speech, in one truth1 Cor. 1.10. Phil. 2.1, 2. Ephes 4.15.: And where we cannot be of one judgement, yet still to be of one heartPhil 4 2. & 3.15, 16. Act. 4.32., not provoking nor envying one anotherGal 5.26., but forbearing and forgivingEphes. 4.2, 32. Col. 3.12, 13., not judging nor despising one another in differences of weaknesseRom. 14.1.3., but so farre as we are come to walk together by the same rulePhil. 3.16., to teach and to learne one of another the way of God more perfectlyAct. 18.26., till we all grow up in the unity of the faith, unto a perfect man in Christ JesusEphes. 4.13..
15. Qu. Wherein standeth the brotherly equality which we are to hold one with another?
Ans. In submitting alike unto all Gods Ordinances, and enjoying alike all Christian libertiesGal. 3.28. Jam. 1.9, 10. Deut. 17.20. Ezek. 46.10., in preferring others before our selvesPhil. 2.3. Rom. 12.10., and seeking one anothers welfare1 Cor. 10.24. Phil. 2.4. Gal. 5.13., and feeling their estates as our owneHeb. 13.3. Rom. 12.15., in bearing the burdens one of anotherGal. 6.2., and imposing no burdens, but in equall proportion2 Cor. 8.13, 14..
16 Qu. Wherein standeth the brotherly Communion which we are to hold one with another?
Ans. In our stedfast and continuall fellowship in the Apostles doctrine, and worship, and ministrationAct. 2, 42. & 6.1.; and for this end to dwell togetherPsal. 133.1. & 122.1, 3., to watch over one anotherHeb. 10.24. & 3.12, 13. & 12.15. Mat. 18.15., to resort together to the publike assembliesHeb. 10.25. Psal. 110.3. & 122.1. Act. 20.20., and there to joyne in all holy duties, with one accordIsa. 60.8. Act. 1.14. & 4.24. 1 Cor. 14.16, 26., and every Lords day, as God hath prospered us, to lay up in store for the supply of the Saints1 Cor. 16.1, 2. 2 Cor. 9.12..
17 Qu. How is the publike worship of God to be ordered and administred in the Church?
Ans. All the members of the Church being met together as one manEzek. 46.10. 1 Cor. 11.33., in the sight of GodAct. 10.33., are to joyn together [Page 6] in holy duties, with one accordAct. 4.24. 1 Cor. 14.16, 26., the men with their heads uncovered, the women covered1 Cor. 114. to 16..
18 Qu. What part of publike worship is first to be administred?
Ans. The Apostle exhorteth that first of all, all manner of prayers be made for all men, even for Kings, and all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godlinesse and honesty1 Tim. 2.1, 2 Ezra 6.10..
19 Qu. Whether are not set forms of publike Prayer, devised and ordained by men, an acceptable sacrifice unto the Lord?
Ans. If such set forms had been an Ordinance of the Lord, and a Worship acceptable unto him, the Lord himselfe, or at least some of the Apostles and Prophets would not have held back that part of Gods counsell from the ChurchAct. 20.26, 27.. Besides, publike Prayer is as well a part of publike Ministery, as Prophecy isGen. 20 7. Nehem. 9.6. 1 Cor. 14.16.; and the forms of one might as justly be taught by the precepts of men, as the otherIsa 29.13. Mat. 15.6, 9.; and both of them are alike the gifts of the holy Spirit, to whom it belongeth as well to teach us what to pray, as how to prayRom. 8.26.. Nor will it well stand with the holy gesture, very usuall in Prayer, which is to lift up our eyes to heaven, to cast down our eyes, and so fix them upon a bookJoh 11.41. & 17.1. Psal. 121.1. & 123.1..
20 Qu. What part of publike worship is next to be administred?
Ans. Before Prophecy it will be seasonable to sing a Psalm2 Kin 3.15. Col. 3.16., and then by some of the Teachers of the Church to read the word, and therewith to preach it, by giving the sense, and applying the useNehem. 8.8. Acts 15.22 Luke 14.21, 23, to 28.: In dispensing whereof they were wont to stand above all the people in a pulpit of wood, & the Elders on both sidesNehem. 8.4., whilst the people hearkned to them with reverence & attentionNeh 8.5, 6, 7. Luke 4 16 17, 20.. Where there be more Prophets besides the Elders, they may prophecy two or threeNehem. 8.7. 1 Cor. 14.29, 31. 1 Thes. 5.20., if the time permit, the Elders calling to them, whether of the same Church or others, if they have [Page 7] any word of exhortation for the people to say onActs 13.15. 1 Cor. 14.31:, and for the better edifying of a mans selfe or others, it may bee lawfull for any young or old (save1 Cor. 14.34, 35. onely for women) to aske Questions at the mouth of the ProphetsMal. 2.7. Lu. 2.46..
21. Qu. After the Ministery of the Word, what part of Gods publique worship is next to be administred?
Ans. After the Word (which is the Covenant of God) the seales of the Covenant are next to be administred, Baptisme and the Lords SupperActs 16.14, 15.. And as for Baptisme, it is to be dispenced by a Minister of the WordActs 16.14, 15, 31, 32, 33., unto a beleever, professing his repentance, and his FaithMat. 28.19. Mat. 3 6., being a member of the same Church bodyLu. 3.5.12 8, as also unto his seedeAct. 8.36.37 Gen. 17.23. Acts 16.15.33 1 Cor. 7.14., presented by the Parents to the Lord, and his ChurchLuk. 2.21.22, at which time the Minister calleth upon the Parents to renew his Covenant with God for himselfe, and his seedGen. 17.27.18.19., and calls upon God (as the nature of the Ordinance requireth) for the pardon of originall sinne, and of the sinne of the Parents, and for a blessing upon the Ordinance and InfantMat 3.11. 1 Tim 4.5.; and then the Child being called by the name which the Parent hath given it, for the his owne edification, and the childsLuk. 1.59 to 63. & 2.21. Mat. 3.6, 16. Iohn 3.23. Acts 8.38, 39 Rom. 6.4., he Baptizeth it into Name of the Father, & of the Son, & of the holy Ghost1 Cor. 10.2. Heb. 10.22. Mat. 28.19..
22. Qu. How is the Lords Supper to be administred?
Ans. The Supper of the Lord is to be dispenced by the Minister of the Word2 Cor. 30.17. and 35.5, 6., unto the faithful of the same Body1 Cor. 10.17, & 12, 13, 14., or commended to them by a like BodyRom. 16.1, 2., having examined and judged themselves1 Cor. 11.28. to 31., and sitting downe with him at the Lords Table e, before whom the Minister taketh the Bread, and blesseth it, breaketh it, and giveth it to the Brethren, with this commandment once for all, To take and eat it as the body of Christ broken for them, and this to do in remembrance of him. In like manner also he taketh the Cup, and having given thanks, he powreth it forth, and giveth it to them, with a commandment to them all, To take, and drinke it as the [Page 8] blood of Christ shed for them, and this also to doe in remembrance of HimMat. 26.26.27, 28. Luke 22.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25. Mat. 26.30. Mar. 1426. Greeke, as He. 2.12. from Psal. 22.22.. After all have partaken, thanksgiving is ended with singing a Psalme*.
23. Q. After the Ministery of the Word, and the seales thereof, how is the Collection for the Saints to be administred?
Ans. The collection for the Saints was by the Apostles ordinance, to bee made: for the time, every. Lords day1 Cor. 16.1. 2. Deut. 16.10.16.; for the measure, as God hath prospered every man1 Cor. 16.2 2 Cor. 8.3.; for the manner, not of constraint, but freely and willingly2 Cor. 9.5.7., brought by the givers as an Offering to the Lord, and laid downeActs 434.35 Mat. 1 [...].42 2 Chro. 29.17, as at first before the Apostles, so afterwards by their appointment before the Deacons of the Church as into a common TreasuryActs 4 35. with ch. [...] 2. to 8. 1 Cor. 16.2 [...]. put into the common stocke, Gal. 6.6. [...]. 1 Tim. 5.17, 18. Gal 6.6. Acts 4.35. & 6.1, 2, 3. Rom. 15.25, 26. Acts 1.28, 29, 30., by them to be distributed to the supply of the Ministery, and of the poore Saints, according to their need, and of outward service of the Church f.
24 Qu. What duty of Gods worship is to bee performed in dismissing the Assembly?
Ans. After all other parts of Gods publique worship have beene performed, the MinisterNum. 6.23., or any of the Prophets, is to dismisse the Assembly with a word of blessing1 Sam. 6.18. 1 King. 8.14. and 8.55, 10.61., offering up blessing unto the Lord, and putting a blessing upon the PeopleNum. 6.25. to 27. 2 Thes. 3.17, 18. 2 Cor. 13.14..
25. Qu. In what manner are all the duties of Gods worship to be administred?
Ans. In spirituall simplicity, without affectation of legal shadowesIohn 4.24., of worldly pompe, or carnall excellencie2 Cor. 2.17. & 1.12. 1 Cor. 2.1, 2, 6, 13., decently1 Cor. 14.40., and in orderIdem., and to edification1 Cor. 14.26..
26. Qu. What forme of Governement is the Government of the Church?
Ans. The Government of the Church is in Christ our head kingly or royallPsal. 2.6. Isa. 33.22. & 9.6, but in the Church Stewardly and MinisteriallMat. 16.19 1 Cor. 4.1, 4. 1 Pet. 4.10. & 5.1, 2, 3., and in both of them spirituall and heavenlyJohn 18 36.
27. Qu. How doth Christ exercise his Kingly government (or power) in the Church?
Ans. By calling the Church into holy fellowship with himselfe, and one with anotherPsal. 74.2 & 76.1, 2, by ordaining Officers and Governours in his Church, with their callings and giftsEph. 4.8, 11 1 Cor. 12.28, by giving Lawes and Ordinances to his Church, for the whole Government of itIsa. 33.22 Jam. 4.12, by putting life and power, even the power of his Spirit, into all his Ordinances, for the edifying of his body unto perfection2 Tim. 3.16 17. Mat. 18.18, 20. & 28 20. Iohn 16 7, to 11, 13, 14., and finally by subduing our enemies, and perfecting our selves in his peace to his heavenly kingdomRom. 16.20. Iohn 14.27. 2 Tim. 4.18.
28 Qu. How is the Government of the Church in the hand of the Church, Stewardly or Ministeriall?
Ans. Because the end of the Government of the Church is spirituall and heavenlyIohn 18.36 Mat. 16.19, as is the building up of Christs kingdome, and the saving of soules1 Cor. 5.5. It is not in the power of men to ordain or provide means or helps to such ends; but onely for him that can worke upon the soule and conscienceEph. 4.11, 12 1 Cor, 1.24 & 3.5, 6, 7: and therefore it is not in the hand of the Church to make Lawes or Ordinances, to choose Officers or Members, to administer Sacraments, or Censures, or any part of Worship or Government, of their owne heads, but to receive all as from the hand of Christ; and to dispense all according to the will of Christ, revealed in his wordHeb. 8.5 1 Kin. 13.33 & 12.33. Ier. 7.31. Num. 15.39. Deut. 12.1, 4, 31.32..
29. Qu. How is the Government of the Church spirituall and heavenly?
Ans. The Government of the Church, though it bee [Page 10] not altogether inward, but partly outwardLuk. 17.20, 21. Isa. 2.2., as being administred by open and known OfficersIsa. 30.20., with an audible and lively voyceRev. 1.16., in the open face of the Brethren of the CongregationMat. 18.15, 16, 17. 1 Tim. 5.20., yet it is in it selfe not of this world, but spirituall and heavenlyJoh. 18.36., as being ordained not by the wisdome of this world, but of Christ1 Cor. [...] 6, 7, 8. Mat. 28.20.; and administred, not according to the precepts of men, but his commandementsMat. 15.6, 9; not by earthly weapons, but by the Word, and seals of the Covenant, and other spirituall Ordinances2 Cor. 10.4 Isa. 11.4.; not working upon the bodies or outward estates of men by fines, or imprisonments losse of limbs, or of life; but upon their soules and consciences by the evidence of the SpiritHeb. 13.17 2 Cor. 10 5. 1 Cor. 2.4.: Finally, not ayming at worldly peace, wealth and honour, but at the righteousnesse of faith, peace of conscience, and joy in the holy GhostJoh. 16 33 Rom. 14 17.
30 Qu. To whom hath Christ committed the Government of his Church?
Ans. Partly to the body of the Church, in respect of the state or frame of itMat. 16.19 & 18.17. Psal. 45.16. & 149 8, 9., but principally to the PresbyteryOr Eldership. in respect of the order or administration of it1 Tim. 5.17. & 4.14. 1 Thes. 5.12. Heb. 13.17. 1 Cor. 12.28.
31 Qu. What power of Government is committed to the body of the Church?
Ans. The body of the Church hath power from Christ to choose and call her owne Officers and MembersAct. 1.23, 26 & 14.23. & 6.3, 5. & 9.26, 27., to send forth any of them for his service2 Cor 8.10, 23. Phil. 2.25., and to inquire, & hear, & assist, in the judgment of all publike scandalsAct. 11.2, 3, 18. Mat. 18.17. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5, 12. Act. 5.23. Col. 4.17.
32 Qu. What power of Government is committed to the Or Eldership (of the same Church) 1 Tim. 4.14. Old Translation. Presbytery?
Ans. To call the Church togetherAct. 6.2. & 14.27. Joel 1 13, 14., and to deliver the counsell of God to them with all authorityTit. 2.15., to prepare matters for the Churches hearingAct. 21.18, 19, and to propound and order the assemblyAct. 13.15, and to administer Ordinations1 Tim. 4.14, and Censures1 Tim. 1.20., and to dismisse the people with a blessing in the name of the LordNum. 6.23..
[Page 11]33. Qu. But hath not Christ committed some power of Government to every private Member of the Church?
Ans. Yes verily, there is a power of edification1 Cor. 10.23 24. Mat. 16.18, 19 & 17.15, 16., which the Lord hath given to every Member of the Chuch, to exercise mutually one over anotherIude 20. 1 Thes. 5 5.11. 1 Cor. 12 7., to save some with compassion, others with feareIude 21, 22, 23., by a word of instruction, Admonition, Exhortation, and ComfortActs 18.26. Mat. 18.15. Col. 3 16. 1 Thes. 5.14 11..
34. Qu. How is Ordination to be administred?
Ans. When the Church hath chosen and called on Officer, they present him to the EldersActs 1.23. & 6.5, 6., who doe ordaine him, if he be a Deacon, with Prayer, and Impositian of handsActs. 6.6., and with Fasting also, if he bee an ElderActs 14.23..
35. Qu. How are the Censures of the Church to be administred?
Ans. The Censures of the Church are ordained by Christ for the removing of scandalls out of the ChurchMat. 18.16. to 15. Luk. 17.1, 2, 3., which if they be private (one Brother offending another) the offender is to goe and acknowledge his repentance of it unto his BrotherMat. 5.23, 24, who is then to forgive himLuk. 17.14., but if the offender neglect to doe it, the Brother offended is to goe and admonish him, and convince him of it betweene themselves privately. If thereupon the offender bee brought to repent of his offence, the Admonisher hath wonne his Brother: but if the offender heare not his brother, the brother offended is to take with him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established; whether the word of admonition, if the offender receive it, or the word of complaint to the Church, if he refuse it: for if he refuse it, the offended brother is to tell the Church, and if he refuse to heare the Church, then he is to bee counted as an Heathen and PublicanLuke 17.3. Mat. 18.15, 16, 17..
36. Qu. What if the scandalls (or offences) be publike, how are they to be removed?
Ans. By publique reproofe1 Tim. 5.20. Gal. 2.14., and if the offences be not onely publique but haynous, then the Church is to remove [Page 12] the offence by Excommunicating the offender out of the Church1 Cor. 5.1.5. 1 Tim. 1.20..
37. Qu. How is Excommunication to be administred?
Ans. When the offence of any Brother is publique and haynous, or being private, is by the obstinacie of the offender become publiquely scandalous, the Church beeing met together, is in the name and power of the Lord Jesus, and with his Spirit, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, and the salvation of his soule in the day of the Lord Jesus1 Cor. 5.1.4, 5. Mat. 18.17. 1 Tim. 1.20. 2 Tim. 3.2, 5. Tit. 3.10, 11..
38. Qu. Is there no use of Suspension in the Church?
Ans. There may, to Members lying under the apparent guilt of sinne, after the admonition of the Church1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Thess. 3.14., discerning the uncleane from the cleane, untill they bee cleansedDev. 10.10. Eze. 22, 26. Ier. 15.19..
39. Qu. What is Anathema Maranatha?
Ans. It is the utmost Censure of the Church, whereby a Brother falling from the love of Christ into hatred against him, is cut off from fellowship with Christ for ever, even to the comming of the Lord1 Cor. 16.22..
40. Qu. Having seene what power of Governement the Church hath received and exercised within it selfe: tell mee now whether any Church hath power of governement over another?
Ans. No Church hath power of Governement over another, but each of them hath chiefe power within it selfe, and all of them equall power one with another; every Church hath received alike the power of binding, and loosing, opening and shutting the Kingdome of heaven1 Mat. 18.17 18.. But one to another, all of them are SistersCant. 8, 8. Gal. 4.26.31, all of them ConcubinesCant. 6.8., but by their owne corruption or usurpation of othersRevel. 18.2.: finally all of them are Candlesticks of the same precious metall, and in the midst of them all Christ equally walkethRevel. 1.12, 13. & 2.1..
[Page 13]41. Qu. But if one Church have no power of Governement over another: what course then is there left to reform such corruptions as may arise in any Church, whether in Doctrine or practise?
Ans. The corruptions that are found in any Church do either infect part of the Church, or the whole body: if part onely, then the part remaining sound, may either convince and reforme their Brethren themselves, if they be able; or if they be not able, they may at least prevaile so farre with them, as to send for light from some other Church, as they of Antioch did to the Church of Hierusalem Acts 15.2.. But if the corruptions found in a Church doe infect the whole body,Ezra 10.2. yet still there is hope in Israel concerning this. For though one Church hath not power of Governement over another, as subordinate to them: yet every Church hath equall power one with another, as coordinate with them. And therefore look what power one Brother hath over another in the same Church, the same power hath one Church over another in Brotherly communion. As if one Church shall heare of any offence in another, they may enquire the certainty of itDeut. 13.14., and thereupon send letters and messengers, to convince and admonish them of it. If the Church offending doe heare the Church admonishing, they have gained their Brethren and their desire: if the Church heare them not, then that other Church may take one or two Churches moe, to assist them in the conviction of that sinne. If yet the Church heare them not, then upon due notice thereof given, all the Churches thereabout may so meet together, and after judicious enquiry into the cause, may by the word of God confute and condemne such errours in doctrine or practice, as are found offensive, to prevent the spreading either of the gangrene of heresie2 Tim. 2.17, 18., or of the leprosie of sinne1 Cor. 5.6, 7. And if the Church offending shall not yet hearken to their Brethren, though the rest of the Churches have not power to deliver them to Satan, yet they have power to withdraw from them the right hand of fellowship, and no longer to hold them in communion of Saints, till they approve their repentance By proportion, from Mat. 18.15, 16, 17. 2 Thes. 3.6..
A Conclusion.
J. C.THe Kingdom of Christ, whether in the hearts of his servants, or in Church State, and all the Administrations thereof,See Mr. Taylor on Tit. 1.5. dispensed according to the Rule of the Gospel, doth not disturb the State, or Peace of earthly Kingdoms, or Common-wealths; And therefore, the gathering of Saints or Churches, according to the order of Christ, and the guidance and walking of both according to his will, is no just offence to the Civill Magistrate.