1 Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church Government, or disci­pline is nothing els,Ezek 43.11 Col. 2, 5 1 Tim 3 15 but that Forme & order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ vpon earth, both for the Constitution of it, & all the Admini­strations that therein are to bee performed.

2 Church-Government is Considered in a double respect either [...] of the parts of Government themselves, or necessary Circumstan [...] hereof. The parts of Government are prescribed in the word,Hebr 3, 5, 6 because the Lord Iesus Christ the King and Law-giver of his Church, is no less faithfull in the house of God then was Moses,Exod 25 40 who from the Lord delivered a form & pattern of Government to the Chil­dren of Israel in the old Testament:2 Tim 3 16 And the holy Scriptures are now also soe perfect, as they are able to make the man of God perfect & thoroughly furnished vnto euery good work; & therefore doubtless to the well ordering of the house of God.

3 The partes of Church-Government are all of them exactly des­cribed in the word of God being parts or means of Instituted worship according to the second Commandement:1 Tim 3 15 1 Chron 15 13. Ex 20 [...] 1 Tim 6 13 [...] 16. Heb 1 [...] 17 18. 1 Cor 15 24. & therefore to continue one & the same, vnto the apearing of our Lord Iesus Christ as a king­dom that cannot be shaken, untill hee shall deliver it up unto God, euen the Father. Soe that it is not left in the power of men, officers,Deut 12 32. Ezek 43 [...]. 2 Kings 11.31 32 33 Churches, or any state in the world to add, or diminish, or alter any thing in the least measure therein.

4 The necessary circumstances, as time & place &c belonging unto order and decency,1 King 12 [...]:28.29. are not soe left unto men as that under pretence [Page 2] of thou,Is [...]i [...] 13. Col 2 22 23 Acts 15 28 they may [...] own Inventions upon the Churches: Being Circumscribed in the word with many Generall limitations; when they are dete [...]mined in respect of the matter to be ne [...]ther wor­ship it self,M [...]tt 15 9 1 Cor 11 23 [...] 8 34. nor Circumstances seperable from worship: in respect of their end, they must be done vnto edification: in respect of the man­ner,1 Cor 14 26 1 Cor 14 40 1 Cor 11 14 1 Cor 11 16 1 Cor 14 12 19. Acts 15 2 [...]. decently, and in order, according to the nature of the things them selves, & Civill, & Church Custom▪ doth not euen nature it selfe teach you? yea they, are in some sort determined particularly, namely that they be done in such a manner, as all Circumstances considered, is most expedient for edification: so, as if there bee no errour of man concerning their determination, the determining of them is to be ac­counted as if it were divine.

Eph 1 [...]2 23 & 5 25 26 30. Heb 12 23.THe Catholick Church, is the whole company of those that are elected, redeemed, & in time effectually called from the state of sin & death vnto a state of Grace, & [...] Iesus Christ.

2 This church is either Triumphant, or Militant. Triumph­ant,Rom 8 17. 2 Tim 2 12 C 4 8. Eph 6 12 13. the number of them who are Gloryfied in heaven: Militant, the number of them who are conflicting with their enemies vpon earth.

3 This Militant Church is to bee considered as Invisible, & Visible Invisible,2 Tim [...] 19. Rev 217. 1 Cor. 6 17 Eph 3 1 [...]. Rom 1. [...] ▪ 1 Thes [...] 8. Isay 2▪ 2 [...]. 2 Tim 6.12. in respect of their relation wherin they stand to Christ, as a body unto the head, being united unto him, by the spirit of God, & faith in their hearts: Visible, in respect of the profession of their faith, in their persons, & in particuler Churches: & so there may be acknowledged an universall visible Church.

4 The members of the Militant visible Church, considered either as not yet in church-order,Acts 19 1. Colos 2.5. Matt 18.17. 1 Cor 5 1 [...] or as walking according to the church-order of the Gospel. In order, & so besides the spiritual union, & communion, common to all bel [...]evers, they injoy more over an union & communion ecclesiasticall-Politicall: so wee deny an universall visible church.

5 The state of the members of the Militant visible church [Page 3] [...] in order, was either before the law, Oeconomical,Gen. 18.19 [...] Exod: 19 6. that is [...] the comming of Christ, only congregational. (The [...] Independent, wee ap­prove not:) Therfore neither national, provincial, nor classical.1 Cor: 14.13 1 Cor: 14.36 1 Cor. 1 2. 1 Cor: 12 27. Exo: 19 5 6 Deut: 29:1. & [...] to 15 Acts. 2.42. 1 Cor 14 26.

6 A Congregational-church▪ is by the institution of Christ a part of the Militant-visible-church, consisting of a company of Saints by calling, united into one body▪ by a holy covenant, for the publick worship of God, & the mutuall edification one of ano­ther, in the Fellowship of the Lord Iesus.

THe matter of a visible church are [...] by c [...]lling.1 [...]: 1 [...] Ephe 1 1.

2. By Saints, wee understand,

1 Such,Hebr: 6.1. 1 Cor. 1 5. Rom. 15 14. Isai: 50 [...]6-17. Act [...] 37. Matt: 3 6. Rom. 6 17. 1 Cor. 1 2. Phillip. 1 1. Collos 1 2. as haue not only attained the knowledge of the prin­ciple of Religion, & are free from gros & open scandals, but also do together with the profession of their faith & Repentance, walk in blameles obedience to the word, so as that in charitable discretion they may be accounted Saints by calling, (though perhaps some or more of them be unsound, & hypocrites inwardly:) because the members of such particular churches are commonly by the holy ghost called Saints & faithfull brethren in Christ,Ephes. 1 1. 1 Cor 52 [...]3 Rev. [...] [...] 15 & 20. Ezek. 44.7 & 9. & chap. 23 38 [...]9. Num [...]9 & 20. Hagg. 2 13 14. 1 Cor. 11 1 [...] 2 [...] [...] & 14. [...] 2 21 1 [...] 5 1 [...] Ier. 14 [...]. 5 4. 2 Cor. 12 21. Re [...] 2 [...] 5. [...]. [...] [...]. and sundry churches haue been reproued for receiving, & suffering such persons to c [...]ntinu in fellowship amongst them, as have been offensive & scan­dalous: the name of God also by this means is Blasphemed: & the holy things of God defiled & Prophaned, the hearts of godly grie­ved: & the wicked themselves hardned: & holpen forward to dam­nation▪ the example of such doeth endanger the sanctity of others. A litle Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump.

2 The children of such, who are also holy.

3 The members of churches though orderly constituted, may in time degenerate, & grow corrupt & scandalous, which though they ought not to be tolerated in the church, yet their continuance therein, through the defect of the execution of d [...]scipline & Just censures, doth not immediately d [...]ssol [...] the being of the church, as appeares in the church of Israell, & the churches of Galatia, & [...] Pergamus, & Thyati [...].

[Page 4]4 The matter of the Church in respect of its quantity [...] be of greater number when may ordinarily meet together [...] in one place:1 Cor [...]4 2 [...] Matt 28 37 not ordinarily fewer, then may conveniently carry on Church-work. Hence when the holy Scripture maketh mention of the Saints combined into a church-estate, in a Town or Citty, where was but one Congregation,Rom 16 1 1 Thes 1 1 Rev 2 [...] c 3 7 it usually calleth those Saints [the church] in the singular number, at the church of the Thessalonians the church of Smyrnae, Philadelphia, & the like: But when it speaketh of the Saints in a Nation, or Province, wherin there were sundry Congrega­tions, It frequently & usually calleth them by the name of churches in the plurall number,1 C [...]r 16 1 19 Gal 1.2 2 Cor 8 1. 2 Thes 2, 14 as the [churches] of Asia, Galatia, Macedonia, & the like: which is further confirmed by what is written of sundry of those churches in particular, how they were Assembled & met to­gether the whole church in one place, as the church at Jerusalem, the church at Antioch, Acts 2 46 c 5 12. c 6 2. Acts 14, 2 [...] c 15 38. 1 Cor 5.4. c 14.23. Rom 16.1 the church at Corinth, & Ceuchrea, though it were more neer to Corinth, it being the port thereof, & answera­ble to a Village, yet being a distinct Congregation from Corinth, it had a church of its owne as well as Corinth had.

5 Nor can it with reason be thought but that every church appointed & ordained by Christ, had a ministrie ordained & appointed for the same: & yet plain it is, that there were no ordi­nary officers appointed by Christ for any other, then Congregational churches: Elders being appointed to feed, not all flocks, but that particular flock of God over which the holy Ghost had made them overseers,Acts 20 28. & that flock they must attend, even the whole flock: & one Congregation being as much as any ordinary Elders can attend, therfore there is no greater Church then a Congregation, which may ordinarily meet in one place.

SAints by Calling, must have a Visible-Political-Union a­mongst themselves, [...] Cor [...] 2 [...]. 1 Tim 3 15. or else they are not yet a particular church: as those similitudes hold forth which the Scripture makes use [Page 5] of, [...] shew the nature of particular Churches: As a Body ▪ A building, or House, Hands, Eyes, Feet, Ephe 2 22 1 Cor 1.15 16 27. & other members must be united, or else, remaining seperate are not a body. [...] ▪ Timber, though squared, hewen & pollished, are not an house untill they are compacted & united: so Saints or believers in judgment of charity, are not a church, unless Orderly knit together.

2 Particular churches cannot be distinguished one from another but by their formes. Ephesus is not Smyrna, & Per­gamus Thyatira, but each one a distinct society of it self,Rev [...] having officers of their owne, which had not the charge of others: Vertues of their own, for which others are not praysed: Cor­ruptions of their owne, for which others are not blamed.

3 This Form is the Visible Covenant, Agreement,Exod [...]9 [...] ver 8. Deu 29 12 13. Zach [...]1 14. cap [...] 1 [...] or con­sent wherby they give up themselves unto the Lord, to the observing of the ordinances of Christ together in the same society, which is usually called the Church-Covenant; For wee see not otherwise how members can have Church-power one over an­other mutually.

The comparing of each particular church unto a Citty, Ephe 2. [...]9 2 Cor [...]1 [...] & unto a Spouse, seemeth to conclude not only a Form, but that that Form, is by way of Covenant.

The Covenant, Gen 17. [...]. Deu 29 1 [...] 13. Ephe [...].12 29. as it was that which made the Family of Abra­ham and children of Israel to be a church and people unto God, so is it that wh [...]ch now makes the severall societyes of Gentil-believers to be churches in these dayes.

4 This Voluntary Agreement, Confine or Covenant (for all these are here taken for the same): Although the more ex­press & plain it is, the more fully it puts us in mind of our mu­tuall duty, & stirreth us up to it, & leaveth lesse room for the questioning of the Truth of the Ch [...]ch-estate or a Company of pro [...]essors, & the truth of membership of particular persons: [Page 6] yet wee conceive, the substance of it is kept, where there is [...] real Agreement & consent, of a company of faithful persons to meet con­stantly together in one Congregation, for the publick worship of God, & their mutuall edification: which real agreement & consent they doe express by their constant practise in comming together for the publick worship of God, & by their religious subjection unto the ordinances of God there:Exod 19 5 to 8 & 24 3 17. Iosh 24 18 to 24 Ps [...]l [...]0 5. Neh 9 38 c 10 1. Gen 17. Deu 29. the rather, if wee doe consider how Scripture covenants have been entred into, not only expressly by word of mouth, but by sacrifice; by hand writing, & seal; & also somtimes by silent consent, without any writing, or expres­sion of words at all.

5 This forme then being by mutuall covenant, it followeth, it is not faith in the heart, nor the profession of that faith, nor cohabi­tation, nor Baptisme; 1 Not faith in the heart? becaus that is invisible. 2 not a bare profession; because that declareth them no more to be members of one church then of another: 3 not Cohabitation; A [...]hiests or Infidels may dwell together with beleivers: 4 not Baptism; because [...] presupposseth a church estate, as circumcision in the old Testament, which gave no being unto the church, the church being before it, & in the wildernes without it▪ seals presuppose a covenant already in being, one person is a compleat subiect of Baptism: but one person is uncapable of being a church.

Act 2 47. & 9 26. Matt 3 13 14 15. & 2 [...] 19 20. Psal 133. [...] 2 3 & 87 7 Matt 18 [...]0. [...] Iohn 1 3.6 All believers ought, as God giveth them opportunity there unto, to endeavour to joyn themselves unto a particular church & that in respect of the honour of Jesus Christ, in his example, & Insti­tution, by the professed acknowledgment of, & subiection unto the order & ordinances of the Gospel: as also in respect of their good of communion founded upon their visible union, & containd in the promises of Christs special presence in the church: whence they have fellowship with him, & in him one with an other: also for the keeping of them in the way of Gods commandments,Psal 119 last [...] Pet 2.25 Eph 4 16 Ioh 22 24.25. Matt 1 [...] [...] 16 17. & reco­vering of them in case of wand [...]ing, (which all Christs sheep are sub­iect to in this life), being unable to returne of themselves; together with the benefit of their mutual edification, and of their posterity, that they may not be cut of from the priviledges of the covenant▪ otherwis, if a believer offends, he remaines destitute of the remedy provided in that behalf, & should all believers neglect this duty of joyning to all particular congregations: it might follow thereupon, that Christ should have no visible political churches upon earth,

THe first subject of church powr, is eyther Supream, or Subordinat, & M [...]nisterial ▪ the Supream (by way of gift from the father) is the Lord Iesus Christ▪ the Ministerial ▪ is either extraordinary▪ as the Apostles, Prophets, & Evangilists: o [...] Ordinary; as every particular Congregational church.

2 Ordinary church powr, is either the power of office, that is such as is proper to the eldership: or, power of priviledge, such as be longs unto the brotherhood▪ the latter, is in the brethren formally, & immediately from Christ, that is, [...] 12 4 8. Acts 1 23 [...] 6 3 4 C 14 23. 1 Cor 12 29 30. so as it may according to order be acted or excercised immediately by themselves: the former, is not in them formally or immediately, & therfore cannot be acted or ex­cercised immediately by them, but is said to be in them, in that they design the persons unto office, who only are to act, or to excercise this power.

A Church being a company of people combined together by cove­nant for the worship of God, it appeareth therby, that there may be the essence & being of a church without any officers, seeing there is both the form and matter of a church, which is implyed,Acts 1. when it is said, the Apostles ordained elders in every church,

2 Nevertheless, though officers be not absolutely necessary,Rom. [...]0 [...]. Ier 3 15 1 Cor 12 2 [...] Ephe 4 11 Psal 6 [...] 18 Eph 4. [...] 11 to the simple being of churches, when they be called: yet ordinarily to their calling they are, and to their well being: and therfore the Lord [...] tender compassion hath appointed, and ordained officers which [...] would not have done, if they had not been usefull & needfull for the church; yea, being ascended into heaven,Eph 4 12 13 he received gifts for men, and gave gifts to men, whereof officers for the church are Justly accounted no small parts,1 Cor 12 23 Eph [...] 11 G [...] 1 Act 8 6 26 19. Cor [...]8 Rom [...]1 78. they being to continue to the end of the world, and for the perfect [...]ng of all the Saints.

3 These officers were either extraordinary, or ordinary, ex­traordinary as Apostles, Prophets▪ Evangilists ▪ ordinary as Elders & Deacons.

[Page 8]The Apostles, Prophets, & Evangelists, as they were called ex­traordinarily by Christ, so their office ended with them selves whence it is,1 Cor 4 9 [...] that Paul directing Timothy how to carry along Church-Administrations, Giveth no direction about the choice or course of Apostle [...], 1 Tim 3 1.2 [...] Prophets, or Evangelists, but only of Elders, & Deacons ▪ & when Paul was to take his last leave of the church of Ephesus, he committed the care of feeding the church to no other, but unto the Elders of that church. The like charge doth Pete [...] commit to the Elders.

1 Tim 3 2 Phi [...] 1 1. Acts 20 17 28. 1 Tim 5 17.4 Of Elders (who are also in Scripture called Bishops) Some attend chiefly to the ministry of the word, As the P [...]stors & Teachers Others, attend especially unto Rule, who are therfore called Ruling Elders.

Eph 4 11. Rom 12 7 8. 1 Cor [...]2 85 The office of Pastor & Teacher, appears to be distinct. The Pastors special work is, to attend to exhortation: & therein to Administer a word of Wisdom the Teacher is to attend to Doctrine, & therein to Administer a word of Knowledg: & either of them to administer the Seales of that Covenant, unto the dispensation wherof the are alike called:2 Tim 4 1 2 Tit 2 9 as also to execute the Censures, being but a kind of application of the word, the preaching of which, together with the application therof they are alike charged withall.

6 And for as much as both Pastors & Teachers are given by Christ for the perfecting of the Saints,Eph 4 11 12 Cap 1 22 23 & edifying of his body, which Saints, & body of Christ is his church; Therfore wee account Pastors & Teachers to be both of them church-officers; & not the Pastor for the church: & the Teacher only for the Schools, Though this wee gladly acknowledg, that Schooles are both lawfull, profitable, & necessary for the trayning up of such in good Litrature, [...] Sam [...]0 12 v 19 20 2 king 2 3 v 15. or learning, as may afterwards be called forth unto office of Pastor or Teacher in the church.

Rom 12 7 9. 1 Tim 5 17. 1 Cor 12 28.THe Ruling Elders office is distinct from the office of Pastor & Teacher. The Ruling Elders are not so called to exclude the Pastors & Teachers from Ruling, because Ruling & Governing is common to these with the other;Heb 13 17 1 Tim 5 17 wheras attending to teach and preach the word is peculiar unto the former.

1 Tim 5, [...]7.2 The Ruling Elders work is to joyn with the Pastor & Teacher in those acts of spiritual Rule

[Page 9]which are distinct from the ministry of the word & Sacraments com­mitted to them▪ of which sort, these be, as followeth.2 Chro. 23 19. Rev 21 12. 1 Tim 4 14. Mat 1 [...] 17. 2 Cor 2 7, 8 Act 2.6 I to open & sou [...] the dores of Gods house, by the Admission of members approv­ed by the church: by Ordination of officers chosen by the church: & by excommunication of notorious & obstinate offenders renoun­ced by the church: & by restoring of poenitents, forgivē by the church. II To call the church together when there is occasion, & seasonably to dismiss them agayn. III To prepare matters in private,Acts [...]1.28 22, 23. that in publick they may be carried an end with less trouble, & more spee­dy dispatch. IV To moderate the carriage of all matters in the church assembled▪ as, to propound matters to the church,Acts 6.2.3 c 13. v 15 2 Cor 8.10 Heb 1 [...].7, 7 2 Thes 2.10 11.12 to Order the season of speech & silence; & to pronounce sentence according to the minde of Christ, with the consent of the church. V To be Guides & leaders to the church, in all matters what-soever, pertaining to church administrations & actions. VI To see that none in the church live inordinately out of rank & place; without a calling, or Idlely in their calling. VII To prevent & heal such offences in life,Acts 20.28 v 32. 1 Thes 5.12 Jam. 5.14 Acts 20.20 or in doctrin; as might corrupt the church. IIX To feed the flock of God with a word of admonition. IX And as they shall be sent for, to visit, & to pray over their sick brethren. X & at other times as opportunity shall serve therunto.

3 The office of a Deacon is Instituted in the church by the Lord Jesus▪ somtime they are called Helps. Act 6.3. v 6 P [...]il 1.1 1 Tim [...].8 1 Cor 12.28 1 Tim 3. [...], 9.

The Scripture telleth us, how they should be qualified: Grave, not double tongue [...], not given to much wine, not give [...] to filthy lucre ▪ they must first be proved & then use the office of a Deacon, being found Blameless.

The office and work of the Deacons is to receive the offrings of the church, gifts given to the church,Acts 4.36, c 6.2.3 c 6.2 & to keep the treasury of the church: & therewith to serve the Tables which the church is to pro­vide for: as the Lords Tab [...]e, the table of the ministers, Rom 1 [...].8 & of such as are in necessitie, to whom they are to distribute in simplicity.

4 The office therefore being limited unto the care of the temporall good things of the church,1 Cor 7.17 it extends not unto the attend­ance upon, & administration of the spirituall things thereof, as the word, and Sacraments, or the like.

5 The ordinance of the Apostle, & practice of the church,1 Cor 16.1.2.3 commends the Lords day as a fit time for the contributions of the Saints.

[Page 10] 1 Co [...] 1 [...].28 Eph 4.3.11 Acts 20.2 [...]6 The Instituting of all these officers in the Church, is the work of God himselfe; of the Lord Jesus Christ; of the holy Ghost▪ & therefore such officers as he hath not appointed, are altogether unlawfull either to be placed in the church, or to be retained therin; & are to be looked at as humane creatures, meer Inventions & ap­pointments of man, to the great dishonour of Christ Jesus, the Lord of his house, the King of his church, whether Popes, Patriarkes▪ Cardinals, Arch-bishop [...], Lord bishops, Arch-deacons, Officials, Com­missaries ▪ & the like. These & the rest of that Hierarchy & Re [...]i­nue, [...] not being plants of the Lords planting, shall all be certeinly be rooted out, & cast forth.

7 The Lord hath appointed ancient widdows, (where they may be had) to minister in the church,1 Tim 5.9, 10. in giving attendance to the sick, & to give succour unto them, & others, in the like necessities.

NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself, but he that was called of God,Act. 5.4 as was Aaro [...].

2 Calling unto office, is either Immediate, by Christ himself: such was the call of the Apostles,Galat 1.1 Acts 14.23 cap 6.3 & Prophets: this manner of calling ended with them, as hath been said: or Medi [...], by the church.

3 It is meet, that before any be orda [...]ned or chosen officers, they should first be Tryed & proved;1 Tim 5.22 c [...]p 7 10 Acts 16.2 cap 6.3 because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon any, & both Elders & Deacons must be of honest & good report.

4 The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed, are those gifts & virtues which the Scripture requireth in men, that are to be elected into such places. viz, that Elders must be blameless, sober, apt to teach, & endued with such other qualifications as are layd downe, 1 Tim: 3 & 2. Tit: 1, 6 to 9. Deacons to be fitted, as is directed, Acts. 6, 3. 1 Tim: 3 8, to 11.

Act 14.23 c 1.23. c 6 3.4.5.5 Officers are to be called by such Churches, whereunto they are to min [...]ster▪ of such moment is the preservation of this power, that the churches excerc [...]sed it in the presence of the Apostles.

Gal [...].136 A Church being free cannot become subject to any, but by a free election;

[Page 11]Yet when such a people do chuse any to be over them in the Lord, then do they becom subject,Hebr. 13.17 & most willingly submit to their mi­nistry in the Lord, whom they have so chosen.

7 And if the church have powr to chuse their officers & mi­nisters, then in case of manifest unworthyness,Rom. 16.17 & delinquency they have powr also to depose them. For to open, & shut: to chuse & refuse; to constitute in office, & remove from office: are acts be­longing unto the same powr.

8 Wee judge it much conducing to the wel-being, & com­munion of churches, that where it may conveniently be done,Cant. 8.8, 9 neigh­bour-churches [...] withall, & their help made use of in the triall of church-officers, in order to their choyce.

9 The choyce of such Church-officers belongeth not to the civil-magistrates, as such, or diocesan-bishops, or patrones: for of these or any such like, the Scripture is wholly silent, as having any power therin.

CHurch-officers are not only to be chosen by the Church,Acts. 13. [...] cap 14.23 1 Tim. 5.22 but also to be ordeyned by Imposition of hand, & prayer▪ with which at the ordination of Elders, fasting also is to be joyned.

2 This ordination wee account nothing else,Num. 8.10 Act. 6.5.6 cap 13.2, 3 but the solemn putting of a man into his place & office in the Church wher-unto he had right before by election, being like the installing of a magistrat in the common wealth.

Ordination therefore is not to go before, but to follow election ▪ Acts. 6.5.6 cap 14.23 the essence & substance of the outward calling of an ordinary officer in the Church, doth not consist in his ordination, but in his voluntary & free election by the Church, & in his accepting of that election▪ wher-upon is founded the relation between Pastor & flock, between such a minister, & such a people.

Ordination doth not constitute an officer, nor give him the essentials of his office. The Apostles were elders, without Imposition of hands by men: Paul & Barnabas were officers, before that Imposition of hands. Acts. 13.3. The posterity of Levi were Pre [...]sts, & [Page 12] Levits, before hands were laid on them by the Children of Israel.

1 Tim 4. [...]4 Acts 23.3 1 Tim 5.223 I [...] such Churches where there are Elders, Imposition of hands in ordination is to be performed by those Elders.

4 In such Churches where there are no Elders, Imposition of hands may be performed by some of the Brethren orderly chosen by the church therunto▪ [...] [...] 10 For if the people may elect officers which is the greater, & wherin the substance of the Office consists, they may much more▪ occasion & need so requiring) impose hands in ordina­tion, which is the less, & but the accomplishment of the other.

5 Nevertheless in such Churches where there are no Elders, & the Church so desire, wee see not why Imposition of [...] may not be performed by the E [...]ders of other Churches. Ordinary officers laid hands upon the officers of many Churches: The presbytery at Ep [...]sus layd hands up in [...] an Evangelist. The presbytery at Antioch laid hands upon Paul & B [...]rnabas. 1 Ti [...] 4. [...]4 Acts. 13. [...]

1 Pe [...]. 5.2 Acts 20.2 [...]6 Church Officers, are officers to one church, even that parti­cular, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers▪ Inso­much as Elders are cōmanded to feed, not all flocks, out that flock which is cōmited to their faith & trust, & dependeth upon them. Nor can cōstant residence at one cōgregation, be necessary for a mi­nister, no no [...] yet lawfull, if he be not a minister to one cōgregation on­ly, but to the church universall: because he may not attend one part only of the church,Acts 20.28 wherto he is a minister▪ but he is called to attend unto all the flock.

7. Hee that is clearly loosed from his office-relation unto that church wherof he was a minister, can̄ot be looked at as an officer, no [...] perform any act of Off [...]ce in any other church vnless he be again or­derly called unto Office: which when it shall be, wee know nothing to hinder▪ but Imposition of hand also in his [...] ought to be used towards him again. For so Paul the Apostle received [...] of hands twice at least, from Ananias. Acts▪ 9.17. & Acts. 13.3.

[...] 2.6 Eph 1.21, 22 Is [...]y 9.6 Mat [...] 28.18Supream & Lordly power over all the Churches upon earth, doth only belong unto Jesus Christ, who is King of the church, & the head therof. He hath the Governmēt upon his shoulders, & hath al powr given to him, both in he [...]ven & earth.

[Page 13]2 A Cōpany of professed believers Ecclesastically Confoederat, as they are a church before they have officers, & without them; so ev­en in that estate,Acts 1.2 [...] c: 14.13 c: 6.3, 4 M [...]t: 1 [...].1 [...] 1 Cor, [...].4. [...] subordinate [...] & powe [...] under Christ deligated to them by him, doth belong to them, in such a man̄er as is before ex­pressed. [...]. 5 [...]2. & as flowing from the very nature & Essēce of a church: It being naturall to all bodyes, & so unto a church body, to be furnished with sufficient powr, for its own preservatiō & subsistāce.

3 This Government of the church, is a mixt Goverment (& so hath been acknowledged long before the term of Indepēdency was heard of:) In respect of [...], the head & King of the church, & the Soveraigne power residing in [...]im, & exercised by him,Rev [...]3.7 1 Cor 5.12 it is a Mo­na [...]chy: In respect of the body, or Bro [...]herhoo [...] of the church, & powr from Christ graunted unto them, it resembles a Democracy, 1 Tim 5.1 [...] In respect of the [...] & powr comited to them, it is an Aristocracy.

4 The Soveraigne powr wh [...]ch is peculiar unto Christ, is exer­cised. I In calling the church out of the world unto holy fellowship with himselfe II In instituting the ordināces of his worship,Gal 1.4. Rev 5.8, 9 Matt 28.20 Eph 4.8.1 [...] Jam 4.12 Is [...]y 33.22 1 Tim 3.1 [...]. 2 Cor 1 [...].4▪ 5 Is [...]y 32.2 Luk [...] 2.51▪ & ap­pointing his ministers & officers for the dispensing of them. III In giving lawes for the ordering of all our wayes, & the wayes of his house. IV In giving powr & life to all his Institutions, & to his peo­ple by them. V In protectīg & delivering his church against & from all the enemies of their peace.

5 The power graunted by Christ unto the body of the church & Brotherho [...], is a prerogative or priviledge which the church doth exercise: I In Ch [...]sing their own [...]fficers, whether Elders, or Dea­cons. II In [...] of their own members & therfore, there is great reason they should have power to Remove any fr [...]m their fel­lowship again.Acts 6.5. [...] c 14.23 c 9.26 Hence in ca [...]e of offence any one brother hath powr to convince & Admonish an offending brother: & in case of not hear­ing him, to take one or two more to [...]tt on the Admonitiō,Matt 18.1 [...] ▪ 16, 17 & in case of not hearing them, to proceed to tell the church: & as his offence [...]y requ [...]re the whole church hath powr to proceed to the publick Censu [...] of him▪ whether by [...], or Excomun [...]cation:Tit 3. [...]0 C [...]ll 4. [...] [...] 18. [...] 2 Cor 2.7, 8 & upon his repentance to restore him▪ againe unto his former cōmunion.

6 In case [...] Elder offend incorrigibly the matter s [...] requiring, as the church had powr to call him to office, so they have powr according to order (the counsell of other churches where it may be had,Collo 4.1 [...] Rom 16.17 directing therto to remove him frō his Office: & beīg now but a mēber, in case he add cōtumacy to his sin,

[Page 14]the Church that had powr to receive him into their fellowship, hath also the same powr to cast him out,Matt. 13.17 that they have concerning any other member.

1 Tim. 5.17 Hebr. 13.17 [...] Thes. 5.127 Church-government, or Rule, is placed by Christ in the officers of the church, who are therefore called R [...]l [...]ers, wh [...]le th [...]y rule with God: yet in case of mal-administration, they are subject to the power of the church, according as hath been sa [...]d before, the H [...]ly Ghost frequently,Rom. 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Cor. 12.28 29. Hebr. 13 7.17. yea alwayes, where it mentioneth Church-Rule, & church-government, ascribeth it to Elders: wheras the work & duty of the people is expressed in the phrase of obeying their Elders; & submiting themselves unto them in the Lord: so as it is manifest, that an organick or compleat church is a body politick, consisting of some that are Governors, & some that are governed, in the Lord.

8 The powr which Christ hath committed to the Elders is to feed & rule the church of God,Acts. 20.28 cap 6.2 Num. 16.12 Ezek. 46.10 Acts. 13.15 & accordingly to call the church together upon any weighty occasion, when the members so called, without just cause, may not refuse to come: nor when they are come, depart before they are dismissed: nor speak in the church, before they have leave from the elders:Hosh▪ 4.4. nor continue so doing, when they require silence, nor may they oppose nor contradict the judgment or sentence of the Elders, without sufficient & weighty cause becaus such practices are manifestly contrary unto order, & government, & in-lets of disturbance, & tend to confusion.

Rev. 2.2 1 Tim. 5.19 Acts. 21.18 22, 23 1 Cor. 5.4▪ 59 It belongs also unto the Elders to examine any officers, or members, before they be received of the church: to receive the ac­cusations brought to the Church, & to prepare them for the church­es hearing. In handling of offences & other matters before the Church they have powr to declare & publish the Counsell & will of God touching the same,Num. 6.23, to 26. & to pronounce sentence with consent of the Church: Lastly they have powr, when they dismiss the people, to bless them in the name of the Lord.

10 This powr of Government in the Elders, doth not any wise prejudice the powr of priviledg in the brotherhood; as neither the powr of priviledg in the brethren, doth prejudice the power of government in the Elders;Acts. 14.15 ve. 23. c 6.2 1 Cor. 5.4 [...] Cor. 2.6▪ 7 but they may sweetly agree together, as wee may see in the example of the Apostles furnished with the greatest church-powr, who took in the concurrence & consent of the brethren in church-administrations.

[Page 15]Also that Scripture, 2 Cor 2.9. & chap 10:6. doe declare, that what the churches were to act & doe in these matters, they were to doe in a way of obedience,Hebr. 13.17 & that not only to the direction of the Apostles, but also of their ordinary Elders.

11 From the premisses, namely, that the ordinary powr of Government belonging only to the elders, powr of priviledg re­maineth with the brotherhood, (as powr of judgment in matters of censure, & powr of liberty, in matters of liberty:) It followeth, that in an organick Church, & right administration; all church acts, proceed after the manner of a mixt administration, so as no church act can be consummated, or perfected without the consent of both.

THe Apostle concludes, that necessary & sufficient maintenance is due unto the ministers of the word:1 Cor. 9. [...] 15. Matt. 9.3 [...]. c 10.10 1 Tim. 5.18 from the law of nature & nations, from the law of Moses, the equity thereof, as also the rule of common reason▪ moreover the scripture doth not only call Elders labourers, & workmen, but also speaking of them doth say,Gala. 6.6. that the labourer is worthy of his hi [...]e: & requires that he which is taught in the word, should communicate to him, in all good things;1 Cor. 9.9 vers. 14. 1 Tim. 5.1 [...] & mentions it as an ordinance of the Lord, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel; & forbideth the muzling of the mouth of the ox, that treadeth out the corn.

2 The Scriptures alledged requiring this maintenance as a bounden duty, & due de [...], & not as a matter of almes, & free gift therefore people are not at liberty to doe or not to doe, what & when they pleas in this matter, no more then in any other commanded duty, & ordinance of the Lord: but ought of duty, to minister of their carnall things to them,Rom 15. [...] ▪ 1 Cor. 9.11▪ that labour amongst them in the word & doctrine, as well as they ought to pay any other work men their wages, or to discharge & satisfie their other debts, or to submit themselves to observe any other ordinance of the Lord.

3 The Apostle,Gala. 6.6 Gal: 6, 6. injoyning that he which is taught communicate to him that teacheth in all good things: doth not leave it arbitrary, what or how much a man shall give, or in what pro­portion▪

[Page 16]but even the later, as well as the former, is prescribed & appointed by the Lord.1 Cor. 16.2

4 Not only members of Churches, but all that are taught [...]n in the word, are to contribute unto him that teacheth, in all good things.Galat. 6.6 In case that Congregations are defective in their contributi­ons,Act. 6.3.4 the Deacons are to call upon them to doe their duty: if their call sufficeth not, the church by her powr is to require it of their members, & where church-powr through the corruption of men, doth not, or can̄ot attaine the end, the Magistrate is to see ministry be duely pro­vided for,Neh. 13.11 as appeares from the commended example of Nehemiah. The Magistrates are nursing fathers▪ & nursing mothers, & stand charged with the custody of both Tables;Isay. 49.23 because it is better to pre­vent a scandal, that it may not come & easier also, then to remove it when it is given,2 Cor. 8.13 14 Its most suitable to Rule, that by the churches care, each man should know his proportion according to rule, what he should doe, before he doe it, that so his iudgment & heart may be satisfied in what he doeth, & just offence prevented in what is done.

2 Chron. 23.19. Mat. [...]3.25. & 22.12THe doors of the Churches of Christ upon earth, doe not by Gods appointment stand so wide open, that all sorts of people good or bad, may freely enter therein at their pleasure; but such as are ad­mitted therto, as members ought to be examined & tryed first; whe­ther they be fit & meet to be received into church-society, or not. The Evnuch of Aethiopia,Acts. 8.37 before his admission was examined by Philip,Rev. 2.2 whether he did beleive on Jesus Christ with all his heart the Angel of the church at Ephesus is commended, for trying such as said they were Apostles & were not.Acts 9.26 There is like reason for try­ing of them that profess themselves to be beleivers.

The officers are charged with the keeping of the doors of the Church,Rev. 21.12 2 Chr 23.19 & therfore are in a special man̄er to make tryall of the fit­nes of such who enter. Twelve Angels are set at the gates of the Temple, lest such as were Ceremonially unclean should enter therinto.

Act 2.3 [...] to 4 [...]. c 8.3 [...]2 The things which are requisite to be found in all church members, are, Repentance from sin, & faith in Jesus Christ. [Page 17] And therfore these are the things wherof men are to be examined, at their admission into the church & which then they must profess & hold forth in such sort, as may satisfie [...]ati [...]nall charity that the things are there [...]ndeed. Iohn Baptist admitted men to Baptism,Matt 3.6. confessing & b [...]w [...]yling their sinns: & of other it is said, that they came,Acts [...]9. [...] ▪ & confessed, & shewed the [...]r deed [...].

3 The weakest measure of faith is to be accepted in those that desire to be admitted into the church: becaus weak christians if sincere ▪ have the su [...]stance of that faith,Rom [...]4.1 repentance & holiness which is required in church members: & such have most need of the ordi­nances for their confirmation & growth in grace The Lord Jesus would not quench the smoaking flax, nor breake the bruised reed,M [...]tt 12.20. Is [...]y 40.1 [...]. but gather the tender lambes in his arms, & carry them gently in his bosome. Such ch [...]rity & tenderness is to be used, as the weakest christian if sincere, may not be excluded, nor discouraged▪ severity of examination is to be avoyded.

4 In case any through excessive fear, or other infirmity, be vnable to make their personal relation of the [...]r spirituall estate in pub­l [...]ck, it is sufficient that the Elders having received private satisfacti­on, make relatio [...] therof in publ [...]ck before the church, they testifying their assents therunto; this being the way that tendeth most to edifi­cation. But wheras persons are of better abil [...]tyes, there it is most ex­p [...]dient, that they make their [...]elat [...]n, [...] 66. [...] & confessions personally with their own mouth, as David professeth of himselfe.

5 A personall & publ [...]ck confession, & declaring of Gods manner of work [...]ng upon the soul, is both lawfull, expedient, & usefull, in sundry respects, & upon sundry grounds. Those three th [...]usands. Acts 2.37.41 Before they were admitted by the Apostles, did manifest that they were pricked [...]n the [...]r hearts at Peters sermon, together with earne [...] desire to be del [...]vered from their sinn [...], which now wounded their consciences, & their ready receiving of the word of promise and exhortation. Wee are to be ready to render a reason of the hope that is in us, to every one that asketh u [...]:1 Pet 3.1 [...] therfore wee must be able and ready upon any occasion to do this & shew our [...], because these are the reason of a well grou [...]ded hope▪ He [...]r 11.1 [...] 1. [...]. I have not hidden thy righteousness from the g [...]e [...]t congregation. Psal. 40.10.

[Page 18]6 This profession of faith & repentance, as it must be made by such at their admission, that were never in Church-society before: so nothing hindreth, but the same way also be performed by such as have formerly been members of some other church, & the church to which they now joyn themselves as members, may lawfully require the same. Those three thousand. Acts. 2. which made their con­fession, were mēbers of the church of the Jewes before, so were they that were baptised by John.Matt. 3.5.6 Gallat. 2▪ 4 [...] Tim. 5.24 Churches may err in their admission: & persons regularly admitted, may fall into offence. Otherwise, if Churches might obtrude their members, or if church-members might obtrude themselves upon other churches, without due tryall, the mat­ter so requiring, both the liberty of churches would hereby be infring­ed, in that they might not examine those, concer̄ing whose fitness for communion, they were unsatisfied: & besides the infringing of their liberty, [...] the churches themselves would ūavoidably be corrupted, & the ordinances defiled, whilst they might not refuse, but must receive the unworthy: which is contrary unto the Scripture, teaching that all churches are sisters, & therfore equall.

7 The like tryall is to be required from such members of the church, as were born in the same, or received their membership, & were baptized in their infancy, or minority, by vertue of the covenāt of their parents, when being grown up unto yeares of discretion they shall desire to be made partakers of the Lords supper: unto which, because holy things must not be given unto the unworthy,Matt. 7.6 [...] Cor. 11.27 therfore it is requisit, that these as well as others, should come to their tryall & examīation, & manifest their faith & repentance by an open professi­on therof, before they are received to the Lords supper, & otherwise not to be be admitted there unto.

Yet these Church-members that were so born, or received in their childhood, before they are capable of being made partakers of full cōmunion, have many priviledges which others▪ not church-mēbers▪ have not: they are in covenant with God; have the seale therof upon them, viz. Baptisme; & so if not regenerated, yet are in a more hopefull way of attayning regenerating grace, & all the spiritual bles­sings both of the covenāt & seal; they are also under Church-watch & consequently subject, to the reprehensions, admonitions, & cen­sures therof, for their healing and amendment, as need shall require.

CHurch-members may not remove or depart from the Church, & so one from another as they please,Hebr. [...] [...] nor without just & weigh­ty cause but ought to live & dwell together: for as much as they are cōmanded, not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. Such departure ▪ tends to the dissolution & ruine of the body: as the pull [...]ng of stones, & peeces of timber from the building, & of members from the naturall body, tend to the destruction of the whole.

2 It is therfore the duty of Church-members, in such times & places when counsell may be had, to consult with the Church wherof they are members, about their removall, Prov. [...] [...] that accordingly they having their approbation, may be incouraged or otherwise de­sist. They who are joyned with consent, should not depart with­out consent, except forced therunto.

3 If a members departure be manifestly unsafe, and sinfull, the church may not consent the [...]unto: for [...]n so doing,Rom 14.23. 1 Tim 5.22. Acts 2 [...].14. they should not act in fa [...]th: & should pertake with him in his sinn. If the case be doubtfull & the person not to be perswaded, it seemeth best to leave the matter unto God, & not forcibly to detayn him.

4 Just reasōs for a mēbers removall of himselfe from the church are, I If a man cānot cont [...]nue without partakīg in sin [...]. Ephe. 5.1 [...] Acts 9.25. & ver 29.30 chap 8.1 II In case of personall persecutio [...], so Paul departed from the disciples at Damas­cus. Also, in case of generall persecution, when all are scattered. III In case of real & not only pretended, w [...]nt of competent subsis­tence, a door being opened for better supply in another place,Nehe [...]3. [...] toge­ther with the meanes of spirituall edification. In these, or like cases, a member may lawfully remove, & the church cannot lawfully de­tayne him.

5 To seperate from a Church, eyther out of contemp [...] of their holy fellowship,2 [...] 4. [...] or out of coveteousness ▪ or for greater inlargements with just greife to the church; or out of schisme, or w [...]nt of [...]; & out of a spirit of contention in respect of some unkindness,Rom 16. [...] Jude. 1 [...]. or some ev [...]ll only conceived▪

[Page 20]or indeed, in the Chu [...]ch which might & should be tolerated & heal­ed with a spirit of meekness,E [...]h 4.2.3 Coll 3.1: [...] 6.1. [...] & of which ev [...]ll the church is not yet cō ­vinced, (though perhaps himselfe bee) nor admonished: for these or like reasons to withdraw from publick cōmunion, in word, or seales, or censures, is unlawfull & sinfull.

6 Such members as have orderly removed their habitation ought to joyn themselves unto the church in order,Isay 56.8 Acts 9.26 where they doe inhabit if it may bee▪ otherwise, they can neyther perform the du­tyes, nor receive the priviledges of members; such an example tolera­ted in some, is apt to corrupt others; which if many should follow, would threaten the dissolution & confusion of churches,1▪ Cor. [...]4.33 contrary to the Scripture.

Acts. 18.277 Order requires, that a member thus removing, have letters testimonial; & of dismission from the church wherof he yet is, unto the church wherunto he desireth to be joyned, lest the church sh [...]uld be deluded; that the church may receive him in faith; & not be corrupt­ed, by receiving deceivers, & false brethren. Untill the person dis­missed be received into another church, he ceaseth not by his letters of dismission to be a member of the church wherof he was. The church can̄ot make a member no member but by excōmunication.

8 If a member be called to remove only for a time, where a Church is,Rom 16.1, 2 [...] Cor. 3.1 letters of Recommendation are requisite, & sufficient for cōmunion with that church, in the ordinances, & in their watch: as Phoebe, a servāt of the church at Cenchrea, had letters writtē for her to the church of Rome, that shee might be received, as becōmeth saints.

9 Such letters of Recommendation & dismission were written for Apollos: For Marcus to the Colosiās; for Phoebe to the Romāes; for sūdry others to other churches.Acts. 18.27 Coll 4.10. Rom. 16.1 & the Apostle telleth us, that some persons, not sufficiently known otherwise, have special need of such letters, though he for his part had no need therof. The use of them is to be a benefit, [...] Cor. 3.1. & help to the party, for whom they are writtē; & for the furthering of his receiving amongst the Saints in the place wherto be goeth; & the due satisfaction of them in their receiving of him.

[...]THe Censures of the church, are appointed by Christ, for the pre­venting, removing,

[Page 21]& healing of offences in the Church:Iude. 29. D [...]ut. 13.11 1 Cor. 5.6 Rom. 2.24 for the reclayming & gayning of offending brethren: for the deterring of others from the like offēc­es: for purging out the leaven which may infect the whole lump: for vindicating the honour of Christ, & of his church, & the holy profes­sion of the gospel: & for preventing of the wrath of God,Rev. 2.14.15, 16, & 20 that may justly fall upon the church, if they should suffer his covenant, & the seales therof, to be prophaned by notorious & obstinate offenders.

2 If an offence be private (one brother offending another) the offender is to goe,Mat. 5.23.24 Luk. 17.3, [...] & acknowledg his repentāce for it unto his offend­ed brother, who is then to forgive him, but if the offender neglect or refuse to doe it, the brother offēded is to goe, & cōvince & admonish him of it, between themselves privatly:Matt. [...]8.1 [...] if therupon the offender bee brought to repent of his offēce, the admonisher hath won his brother, but if the offender heare not his brother, the brother offended is to take with him one or two more,V 16 that in the mouth of two or three witnes­es, every word may be established, (whether the word of admonition if the offender receive it, or the word of complaint, if he refuse it:) for if he refuse it,V 1 [...] the offēded brother is by the mouth of the Elders to tell the church, & if he heare the church, & declare the same by penitēt confession, he is recovered & gayned; & if the church discern him to be willing to hear, yet not fully cōvinced of his offence,Tit. 3.10▪ as in case of heresy; They are to dispēce to him a publick admonition; which de­claring the offēder to ly under the publick offence of the church, doth therby with-hold or suspend him from the holy fellowship of the Lords supper, till his offence be removed by penitent cōfession.M [...]tt. 18.1 [...] If he still continue obstinate they are to cast him out by excōmunication.

3 But if the offēce be more publick at first, & of a more heinous & criminall nature, to wit, such as are condēned by the light of nature;1 Cor 5.4 [...] ▪ 5. & v 11. then the church without such graduall proceeding, is to cast out the offender from their holy cōmunion, for the further mortifying of his sinn & the healing of his soule, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

4 In dealing with an offēder, great care is to be takē, that wee be neither overstrict or rigorous, nor too indulgent or remiss: our pro­ceeding herein ought to be with a spirit of meekness,Galat 6 1. considering our selves left wee also be tēpted; & that the best of us have need of much forgivness from the Lord. Yet the winīg & healīg of the offēders soul,M [...]t 18.24▪ 25 [...] 6.14 being the end of th [...]se ēdeavours, wee must not daub with ūtempered morter, nor heal the wounds of our brethren s [...]eightly, on some have compassiō others save with fear.

[Page 22] Matt 1 [...].1 [...]. 2 Cor. [...].11. [...] The. 3.6.145 While the offender remayns excōmunicate, the Church is to refrayn from all member-like communion with him in spiritu [...]ll things, & also from all familiar cōmuniō with him in civil th [...]ng, farthe [...] then the necessity of natural, or domest [...]cal, or civil relatiōs doe require: & are therfore to forbear to eat & drīke with him, that he may be ashamd.

6 Excōmunication being a spirituall punishment, it doth not prejudice the excōmunicate in, nor deprive him of h [...]s civil rights, & therfore toucheth not princes, or other magistrates, in point of their civ [...]l dignity or authority And,1 Cor 14▪ 24 25. the excōmunicate being but as a publ [...]can & a heathen▪ heathens being lawfully permitted to come to hear the word in church assemblyes; wee acknowledg therfore the like liberty of hearing the word, [...] Thes 3.14 may be permitted to persons excom­municate, that is permitted unto heathen. And because wee are not without hope of his recovery, wee are not to account him as an ene­my but to admonish him as a brother.

7 If the Lord sanctifie the censure to the offender, so as by the grace of Chr [...]st, he doth testifie h [...]s repentance, with humbl [...] cōfession of his sinn, [...] Cor 2.7, [...] & judging of himselfe, giv [...]ng glory unto God; the Church is then to forgive him, & to comfort him, & to [...] him to the wonted brotherly communion, which formerly he injoyed with them.

8 The suffring of prophane or scandalous livers to continue in fellowship, & partake in the sacrament, is doubtless a great sinn in those that have power in their hand, [...] [...].14, 15. ver. 20 to red [...]ess it; & doe it not. Ne­vertheless, inasmuch as Christ & his Apostles in their times, & the Prophets & other godly in theirs,Mat 23.3. [...] 3. [...] did lawfully partake of the Lords commanded ordinances in the Jewish church, & neyther taught not practised seperation from the same, though unworthy ones were per­mitted therin; & inasmuch as the faithfull in the church of Corinth, wherin were many unworthy persons, & practises, are never com­manded to absent themselves from the Sacramēts, [...] Cor. [...] chap 15.12 because of the same: therfore the godly in like cases, are not presently to seperate.

9 As seperation from such a Church wherin prophāe & scan­dalous livers are tolerated, is not presently necessary: so for the mem­bers therof, otherwise worthy, hereupon to absta [...]n from communi­cating with such a church, in the participation of the Sacraments, i [...] unlawfull For as it were unreasonable for an in̄ocent person to be punished, [...] Chron. [...]0 [...]8. [...] [...].25. for the faults of other, wherin he hath no hand, & wher­unto he gave no consent: for [...]s it more unreasonable, that a godly [Page 23] man should [...], & punish himselfe in not cōming for his portion in the [...] of the seales, as he ought, because others are suffered to come, that ought not: especially, considering that himselfe doth neyther consent to their sinn, nor to their approching to the or­dinance in their sinn, nor to the neglect of others who should put them away, & doe not: [...] but on the contrary doth heartily mourn for these things, modestly & seasonably stirr up others to doe their duty. If the Church cannot be reformed, they may use their liberty, as is spe­cified, chap: 13. sect: 4. But this all the godly are bound unto, even every one to do his indeavour, according to his powr & place, that the unworthy may be duely proceeded against, by the Church [...] whom this matter doth appertain [...].

ALthough Churches be distinct, & therfore may not be confoūd­ed one with another: & equall,Rev 1.4 [...] ▪ Cant. 8. [...]. Rom 1 [...].16. 1 Co [...] 16.1 [...] Acts 15, 2 [...] Rev [...]. [...] & therfore have not dominion one over another: yet all the churches ought to preserve Church-commu­nion one with another, because they are all united unto Christ, not on­ly as [...] mysticall, but as a politicall head; whence is derived a commu­nion suitable therunto.

2 The communion of Churches is exercised sundry wayes.

I By way of mutuall care in taking thought for one anothers wellfare..Cant 8.8▪

II By way of Consultation one with another, when wee have occa­sion to require the judgment & counsell of other churches, touching any person, or cause wherwith they may be better acquainted then our selves. As the church of Antioch consulted with the Apostles, & Elders of the church at Ierusalem, about the question of circumci­sion of the gentiles,Acts 1 [...]. [...] & about the false teachers that broached that doc­trine. In which case, when any Church wanteth light or peace a­mongst themselves,Acts 15.6. it is a way of communion of churches (according to the word) to meet together by their Elders & other messengers in a synod, to consider & argue the points in doubt, or difference,ver: 22.23▪ & haveing found out the way of truth & peace, to commend the same by their letters & messengers to the churches, whom the same may concern.

[Page 24]But if a Church [...] with d [...]vision amongst [...], or ly un­der any open [...], & yet ref [...]se to consult [...], for healing or re [...]oving of the same; [...]t is [...] matter of just off [...]ce both to the Lord Jesu [...], & to other ch [...]rches, as bewraying too much want of mercy & faithfulness, not to seek to bind up the breach [...], & wounds of the church & brethren;Ezek 34.4. & therfore the state [...]f such a church call­eth aloud upon other churches, to excert [...]se a f [...]ller act of brotherly communion, to witt, by way of admonition.

III A third way then of cōmunion of churches is by way of admo­nition, to w [...]tt, in case any publick offēce be found in a church, which they either discern not, or are slow in proceeding to use the [...] for the remov [...]ng & healing of. [...]ll 2.11 to 14. Paul had no authority over Peter, yet when he saw Peter not walking with a right foot, he publickly re­buked him before the church: though churches have no more autho­rity one over another, then one Apostle had over another; yet as one Apostle might admonish another, so may one church admonish ano­ther, & yet without usurpation. In which [...], if the church that ly­eth under offence do not harken to the church which doth admonish he [...],Math 18▪ 15▪ 16.17. by proportion the church is to aquaīt other neighbour-churches with that offēce, which the offending church st [...]ll lyeth under, together with their neg­lect of the brotherly admonition given unto them; wherupon those other churches are to joyn in seconding the admonitiō formerly givē: and if still the offēding church con [...]nue in obstinacy & impenitency, they may forbear communion with them; & are to proceed to make use of the help of a Synod, or counsell of neighbour-churches walkīg orderly (if a [...]reater can̄ot conveniētly [...]e had) for their conv [...]ction. If they hear not the Synod, the Synod having d [...]clared them to be ob­stinate, particular churches, approving & accept [...]ng of the judgmēt of the Synod, are to declare the sentence of non-cōmunion respect­ively concerning them: & therupon out of a rel [...]gious care to keep their own communion pure, they may justly w [...]thdraw themselves from participation with them at the Lords table, & from such other acts of holy cōmunion, as the communion of churches doth otherwise allow & require. Nevertheless, if any members of such a church as lyeth under publick offence; doe not consent to the offence of the church, but doe in due sort beare witness against it, they are st [...]ll to be received to wonted c [...]mmunion: [...] 18.25 for it is not equall, that the in­nocent should suffer with the offensi [...]e.

[Page 25]Yea furthermore; if such innocent members after due wayting in the use of all good meanes for the healing of the offence of their own church, shall at last (with the allowāce of the counsel of ne [...]gh­bour-churches) withdraw from the fellowsh [...]p of their own chu [...]ch & offer themselves to the fellowsh [...]p of another; wee judge it law­full for the other church to receive them being otherwise fitt) as if they had been orderly dismissed to them from their own church.

IV A fourth way of communion of churches, is by way of partici­pation: the members of one church occasionally comming unto an­other, wee willingly admitt t [...]em to p [...]rtake with us at the Lords table, it being the seale of our communion not only with Christ, nor only with the members of our own church, but also with all the churches of the saints: in which regard,1 Cor [...]2. [...] wee refuse not to baptize their children presented to us, if either their own minister be absent, or such a fruite of holy fellowship be desired with us. In like case s [...]ch churches as are furn [...]shed with more ministers then one, doe wil­lingly afford one of their own ministers to supply the place of an ab­sent or sick minister of another church for a needfull season.

V A fifth way of Church-communion is,Rom 16. [...] by way of recomendation when a member of one church hath occasion to reside in another church; if but for a season, wee cōmend him to their watchfull ffel­lowsh [...]p by letters o [...] recommendation: but if he be called to settle his abode there, wee commit him according to his desire,Acts [...].27 to the ffel­l [...]wship of their covenant, by letters of dismission.

VI A sixt way of Church-communion, is in case of Need, to mi­nister relief [...] & succour one unto another:Acts 11.22 either of able members to furnish them with officers▪ or of outward support to the necessi­tyes of poorer churches;vers 29. Rom 13.26.27 as did the churches of the Gentiles contri­bute liberally to the poor saints at Ierusalem.

3 When a compāy of beleivers purpose to gather into church fellowship, it is requisite for their safer proceeding, & the maintain­ing of the communion of churches, that they signifie their intent un­to the neighbour-churches, [...] pro­portion. walking according unto the order of the Gospel, & desire their presence, & help, & right hand of fellowship which they ought readily to give unto them, when their is no just cause of excepting against their proceedings.

4 Besides these severall wayes of communion, there is also a way of propagation of churches; when a church shall grow too [...] ­m [...]rous, [Page 26] it is a way, & fitt season, to propagate one Church out of an other,Is [...]y 40.20. Deut 8.8, 9. by sending forth such of their mēbers as are willing to remove, & to procure some officers to them, as may enter with them unto church-estate amongst themselves: as Bees, when the hive is too full, issue forth by swarmes, & are gathered into other hives, soe the Churches of Christ may doe the same upon like necessity; & therin hold forth to thē the right hand of fellowship, both in their gather­ing into a church; & in the ordination of their officers.

SYnods orderly assembled, & rightly proceeding according to the pattern, Acts. 15. wee acknowledg as the ordinance of Christ:Acts 15.2. [...].15. & though not absolutely necessary to the being, yet many times, through the iniquity of men, & perversness of times necessa­ry to the wel-being of churches, for the establishment of truth, & peace therin.

2 Synods being spirituall & ecclesiasticall assemblyes, are therfore made up of spirituall & ecclesiasticall causes. The next effi­cient cause of them under Christ, is the powr of the churches, send­ing forth their Elders, other messengers; who being mett together in the name of Christ,Acts [...]5·2, 3 are the matter of the Synod: & they in argue­ing,ver [...] 6. debating & determining matters of religion according to the word,vers 7. to 23 & publishing the same to the churches whom it concerneth, doe put forth the proper & formall acts of a Synod; to the convictiō of errours & heresye,vers 31. Act [...] 104.15 & the establishment of truth & peace in the Churches, which is the end of a Synod.

3 Magistrates, have powr to call a Synod, by calling to the Churches to send forth their Elders & other messengers, to counsel & assist them in mattters of religion:2 Chron 29.4.5. to 11. but yett the constituting of a Synod, is a church act, & may be transacted by the churches, even when civil magistrates may be enemyes to churches & to church-assemblyes.Acts 1 [...]

4 It belongeth unto Synods & counsels, to debate & deter­mine controversies of faith,Acts 15.1.2 6. [...] 1 Ch [...]o 1 [...].13. & cases of consciēce; to cleare from the word holy directions for the holy worship of God, & good govern­ment of the church▪ to beare witness against [...]d-ad [...]nistration & [Page 27] Corruption in doctrine or man̄ers in any particular Church,2 Chron [...]9.6.7. Acts 15.24 vers 2 [...] ▪29 & to give directions for the reformation therof: Not to exercise Church-censures in way of discipline, nor any other act of church-authority or jurisdiction: which that presidentiall Synod did forbeare.

5 The Synods directions & determinations, so farr as conso­nant to the word of God, are to be received with reverence & sub­mission; not only for their agreement therwith (which is the princi­pall ground therof, & without wh [...]ch they bind not at all:) [...]ut also secondarily, for the powr wherby they are made,Acts. 15. as being an ordi­nance of God appointed therunto in his word.

6 Because it is difficult, if not impossible, for many churches to com altogether in one place, in all their [...] universally: therfore they may assemble by their delegates or messenger [...], as the church of Antioch went not all to Ierusalem,Acts 15. [...] but so [...] men for that pur­pose. B [...]cause none are o [...] should be more [...] to know the state of the churches, nor to advise of wayes for the good thereof then Elders; therfore it is fitt that in the choice of the messengers for such assembl [...]es, they have special respect ūto such. Yet in a [...] much as not only Paul & Barnabas,Acts 15.2 vers 22▪ 23▪ but certayn others also were sent to Ierusalem fro [...] Antioch. Acts. 15▪ & when they were come to Ierusalem, not only the Apostles & Elders, but other brethren also di [...] assemble, & meet about the matter; therfore Synods are to consist both of Elders, & other church-members, endued with gifts, & sent by the churches, not excluding the presence of any brethren in the churches.

IT is lawf [...]ll, profitable, & necessary for christians to gather themselves into Church estate, & therin to exercise all the or­d [...]nā [...]es of chr [...]st according unto the word,Act 2.41.47 cap 4. [...] ▪ 2, 3 although the consent of Magistrate co [...]ld not be had therunto; because the Apostles & chri­st [...]ans in their time did frequently thus practise, when the Magistrates be [...]ng all of them Jewish or pagan, & mostly persecuting enemies, would g [...]ve no countenance or consent to such matters.

2 Church-government stands in no opposition to civil goven­ment of cōmon-welths, [...]ohn 18▪ [...] nor any intrencheth upon the authority of [Page 28] Civil Magistrates in their jurisdictions;John 1 [...].36 Acts [...]5.8. nor any whit weakneth their hands in governing; but rather strengthneth them, & furthereth the people in yielding more hearty & conscionable obedience ūto them, whatsoever so [...]e [...]ll affected persons to the wayes of Christ have sug­gested, to alienate the affections of Kings & Princes from the ordi­nances of Christ; as if the kingdome of Christ in his church could not rise & stand, without the falling & weakning of their government, which is also of Christ: wheras the contrary is most true, that they may both stand together & flourish the one being helpfull unto the other, [...] 4 [...].23. in their distinct & due administrations.

3 The powr & authority of Magistrates is not for the restraī ­ing of churches, or any other good workes, but for helping in & fur­thering therof;Rom 13.4. 1 Tim 2.2. & therfore the consent & countenance of Magistrates when it may be had, is not to be sleighted, or lightly esteemed; but on the contrary; it is part of that honour due to christ [...]an Magistrates to desire & crave their consent & approbation therin: which being obtayned, the churches may then proceed in their way with much more encouragement, & comfort.

4 It is not in the powr of Magistrates to compell their sub­jects to become church-members, & to partake at the Lords table: for the priests are reproved,Ezek 44.7, 9 that brought ūworthy ones into the sāctu­arie: then, as it was unlawfull for the preists, so it is as unlawfull to be done by civil Magistrates.1 Cor 5.11 Those whom the church is to cast out if they were in, the Magistrate ought not thrust into the church, nor to hold them therin.

5 As it is unlawfull for church-officers to meddle with the sword of the Magistrate, so is it ūlawfull for the Magistrate to meddle with the work proper to church officers▪ Matth [...]0.25.26. the Acts of Moses & David, who were not only Prīces, but Prophets, were extraord [...]nary; therfore not imitable.2 Chron 26 16.17. Against such usurpation the Lord witnessed, by smit­ing Uzziah with leprosie, for presuming to offer incense

6 It is the duty of the Magistrate, to take care of matters of religion, & to improve his civil authority for the observing of the duties commanded in the first,Psal▪ 82.2. as well as for observing of the duties commanded in the second table They are called Gods. The end of the Magistrates office, is not only the quiet & peaceable life of the subject,1 Tim 2. [...] ▪ 2 in matters of righteousness & honesty, but also in matter▪ of godliness, yea of all godliness. Moses, Joshua, David, Solom [...] ̄ ▪ [Page 29] Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah,1 Kings 15.14. c 22.4 [...] 2 King 12.3 c 14.4. c 15.35. 1 Kings 20.42. Job 29.25. c 3 [...].26.28. Ne 1 [...] Jonah 3.7. Ezra 7. [...] 3. [...]. are much commended by the Holy Ghost, for the putting forth [...] authority in matters of religi­on: on the contrary, such Kings as have been fayling this way, are frequently taxed & reproved by the Lord. & not only the Kings of Judah, but also Job, Nehemiah, the king of Niniveh, Darius, Artaxerxes, Nebucadnezar, whom none looked at as types of Christ, (thouh were it soe, there were no place for any just objection▪) are cōmēded in the book of God, for exercising their authority this way.

7 The object of the powr of the Magistrate, are not things meerly inward, & so not subject to his cognisance & view, as unbe­leife hardness of heart, erronious opinions not vented; but only such things as are acted by the outward man; neither is their powr to be exercised, in commanding such acts of the outward [...], & pun­nishīg the neglect therof, as are but meer invētions, & devices of men;1 Kings 2 [...] ▪ 2 [...]. vers 4 [...]. but about such acts, as are commanded & forbidden in the word; yea such as the word doth clearly determine, though not alwayes clearly to the judgment of the Magistrate or others, yet clearly in it selfe. In these he of right ought to putt forth his authority, though oft-times actually he doth it not.Deut 13. 1 Kings 2 [...].28. vers 42. Dan 3.29. Zach 13. [...] Neh 13.2 [...] ▪ 1 Tim 2.2. Rom [...]

8 Idolatry, Blasphemy, Heresy, venting corrupt & pernicious opinions, that destroy the foundation, open contempt of the word preached, prophanation of the Lords day, d [...]sturbing the peaceable administration & exercise of the worship & holy things of God, & the like, are to be restrayned, & punished by civil authority.

9 If any church one or more shall grow schismaticall, rending it self from the communion of other churches, or shall walke incor­rigibly or obstinately in any corrupt way of their own, contrary to the rule of the word; in such case, the Magistrate is to put forth his coercive powr, as the matter shall require.Joshua [...] ▪ The tribes on this side Jordan intended to make warr against the other tribes, for building the altar of witness, whom they suspected to have turned away therin from following of the Lord.